Darkness into Light - Maltese magic
She may be the far side of Europe but Gemma still took time to take park in Darkness into Light and even got a t-shirt!
Darkness into Light has become a tradition for me, something to look forward to every year. Every aspect of the walk carries so much meaning to each individual. Despite being away from home, Malta still brought the magic this year.
My roommate Nicola had her parents and sister over for a visit last week. The nicest bunch of people I have ever met, they took me as one of their own for the duration of their stay. Her dad, Sydney as he is known locally in Mallow, has been part of the Darkness into Light organising committee for the town for years. Even though he took a well-deserved break in Malta this year, he was certainly the inspiration for our getting up on Saturday morning and doing the walk. The family arrived on Sunday last with yellow t-shirts galore for myself, Nicola and our flatmates to partake in the walk.
Before going on, I want to explain that I have seen the news articles concerning the CEO and management at Pieta taking a considerable salary from the organisation. I am not confirming or denying these claims, however publishing and re-circulating reports at the time of Darkness into Light is most unhelpful. I have used and I know people who have availed of the services Pieta offer and I will happily continue to donate money towards the charity. Further to this, these reports demean the work of Darkness into Light volunteers, and I don’t think this is fair. Aside from the financial aspect, doing the walk is an excellent way to connect with the community and remember loved ones whom we have lost to suicide. I will continue to admire people like Nicola and her father who volunteer their time for the sake of bringing people together.
Now that this issue is addressed, let’s get back to walking. We spread word of the walk to our flatmates. Nicola and I explained that the walk was in aid of Pieta, an organisation which provides therapeutic help to those in suicidal distress, experiencing self-harm or people who have been bereaved by suicide. With a few in, we set our alarms for 4.30am on Saturday morning. Still groggy from tiredness, we pulled on our yellow t-shirts silently in the light of the dimmed bedside lamp. We assembled on the ground floor, saying our good mornings in hoarse voices that had yet to warm up.
Six of us assembled in the end just outside the University of Malta - hailing from Cork, Cavan, Roscommon, Meath, Canada and Palestine. For the Irish, it was very special to be partaking in the walk in the knowledge that our family and friends were also walking on the other side of Europe. Explaining the concept of the walk to the others was so special, they loved the idea and everything it stood for. I explained that the walk even survived during lockdown, and I laughed at memories a socially distanced BBQ in a stable, with horse blankets around our shoulders shielding us from the cold.
Hannah explained her experience of doing the Relay For Life in Peterborough, how it has become a ritual for her. Just like that, as the first hints of dawn appeared on the horizon, our voices warmed up. We walked and talked, sharing stories as the day became brighter.
We reached our destination and sat in silence. The sky had taken a rosy, pink glow. We watched and waited. The world became brighter, the first peaks of the sun rippled across the Mediterranean. Within minutes, the light rose as we sat and admired the view. The serenity of the morning, the sounds of waves crashing against the rocks and the comradery of sitting in a comfortable silence, knowing that I will never experience anything like this again but not caring, just enjoying the present.
Eventually we stood up and headed to our favourite café. Wanting a little extra time with the sunrise, I made some quick phone calls to my loved ones, wanting to share the moment with them also before taking some time for myself - thinking, remembering, and feeling grateful for those who have touched my life. I walked slowly to the café, watching as people began to arrive to work. Setting out chairs in restaurants, drawing supplies onto boats and sweeping the pavements, preparing for another busy day. We enjoyed coffee and croissants together in a steady flow of chatter before walking back at our previous slow pace. No hurry, just enjoying the company of one another.
Some went back to bed while others began their day. I decided to go to the pool and look at pictures from Darkness into Light in Cavan; my heart wrenched a little bit watching my friends and family. However, whether in Ireland or Malta, it is the people we have in our lives who make this experience special and this morning was just that.
* Gemma Good is from Killeshandra and a third year journalism student in University of Limerick
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