Not the missing part but the presence of inclusiveness

The exact location was at Forest Sky Pier at Niigi Niigi - Sealy Lookout in Coffs Harbour, NSW in 2017. After enjoying the stunning coastal view of Coffs, we decided to rest before we continue to explore the area.

I was puzzled when I first saw this picnic table. Puzzled by the missing part of the bench.

I was thinking , “Hmm, this bench looks rather unfinished. I wonder why they do it this way.” But then I notice the next one, it is exactly the same.

So I asked my friend who took me there.

She explained to me that the reason that part is empty is on purpose. By leaving that space, it makes the family with a baby life easier, they can park the pram there. The person with the wheelchair can also join the family.

I was so surprised when she told me about that because I rarely see pram back in Myanmar at that time, and people with disability, life is not easy let alone accessing a wheel chair! So, I didn't think people will build something like that on top of the mountain.

It made me continue asking questions in my head. 'How did they design the picnic bench in the first place?', 'Who came up with that idea?', 'When did they start designing public places like that?', 'Why is it so important to make a space like that?'

Even after I left the place, the image of that picnic bench vividly stuck in my mind.

Having a brother who has hearing impairment taught me to be more patient and to appreciate the noise in my surrounding.

Seeing this bench reminds me the fact that it takes courage to become the person who is considerate of others. it takes creativity and willingness to make things happen.

There is that feeling that you get when you’re being included. The feeling of “belonging”.

We can’t buy it with money; only with consideration, care, love and respect we can create that space called inclusivity.