by Alan Newey
Who knew what was in store for this young happy chap.
Growing up, life was simple and happy.
Primary school was fun with sport.
High School I did not enjoy so much, life was getting more serious.
Leaving school at 16 I was happy again finding work and enjoying life.
Later in life I met my better half and got married at age 30.
Age 35 with everything to plan and look forward to.
I then had a workplace accident.
Life changes in a second and all your plans go out the door.
You have regret even though the accident is not your fault.
Guilt for what your family goes through.
If only the company where I worked had a safety culture.
If only I had a better safety outlook.
IF ONLY, IF ONLY, IF ONLY…
Two big words that change peoples life, but never for the better.
Life for the happy chap in the picture and his family would have been so different..
Regret came back as I wrote this, it is something that really never leaves you.
Photo: Alan Newey July 1964
