(no subject)

[brightlywoven]

 I was linked to this performance from a forum today, and it really is worth watching: a contestant from Australia's X-Factor auditions and tells his story.

(disclaimer: you have to overlook the heavy handed mood music and the mawkish judges, and the fact they congratulate the singer on his 'courage' rather than him being a very good singer)

While watching this I had the sudden memory of actually meeting his mother, back when I was in high school, as a 'youth and social justice' forum. I remember thinking she was just amazing - funny and wise and compassionate in the face of terrible things.  From what I can work out, that must have been around the time Emmanuel came to Australia for surgery.  Sometimes it's good to know that some people really can make a difference.