The Soldier Whose Sister Didn't Leave: Reflecting on Geri Colson's Author Talk & Loyalty to her Brother - 11am, Saturday, 23 March 2019

Reflection by Paul Karp

Visit Paul Karp's Poetry Website at:

https://kapow2016.wordpress.com/

Mentone author Geraldine Colson moved from neighbouring Cheltenham two years ago. She quickly picked up Mentone's cultural bent through her play-writing contribution to Moorabbin Airport's National Aviation Museum's 'Legends of the Skies.'

 

Geraldine spoke for 20 minutes, then fielded questions from the inquisitive and highly empathetic audience.

 

'A Sister's Memoir' is a tribute to her brother, Mick Berrigan. He suffered serious brain injury while serving as a soldier in Vietnam in 1967 at the age of 21. 

Geraldine spoke of the struggles Mick and his family endured while dealing with Veterans Affairs bureaucracy and rehabilitation institutions.

Australian hospitals and rehabilitation centres were nowhere near adequate in treating the extensive and traumatic injuries sustained by Mick during the Vietnam War.

 

Australian Soldier Operation Crimp

Mick's brain injury was caused by shrapnel from one of five Australian artillery shells fired to soften a Viet Cong position that hit a tree 50 metres away from him - 'friendly fire' in effect. Clinically dead, he was revived twice. After 12 months repatriation he demobbed from the army and moved back with his parents in Malvern East.

Geraldine became Mick's 'significant other'. She led her family, advocating for him to be able to live the best life possible in his highly challenging circumstances. Before his injury he was cheeky, a dynamo, with many girlfriends. He could have become either 'a great lawyer or a criminal.' He joined the army instead of starting university.

 Geraldine shared her observations and insights about her brother's life after his brain injury. She found shortcomings in the way he was treated in institutions, but disclosed that she and her family also failed him through their 'lack of support, confusion and indecision.' They felt guilty for being survivors, 'why him, not me?' There was also guilt and anxiety about whether they'd done the right thing. 

 

She never heard anything about his part in the war because he was so damaged. 
Despite his brain injury he looked the same. 
He smiled angelically and was quiet during the first few months. 

'We waited for him to wake up. The dynamo has been tamed.' But he became argumentative and abused his carer parents, fuelled by his drinking.

 

Australian soldier Civil Rehabilitation Centre 1946

He was suddenly sent to one of several rehab institutions. Eventually his reputation preceded him. His deep voice reverberated wherever he was. He had a larger than life presence. He dominated family and terrorised carers. No-one understood him. 

He committed arson, and smashed windows with his strong right arm and was left alone and badly neglected even though he got along with confused, demented, homeless alcoholics and World War II veterans with whom he'd been housed.

 

 He loved attractive women. They could do whatever they liked. Geraldine described a touching scene when she visited him early one Saturday night. A beautiful visitor lay on his bed talking quietly as he sat by. He looked ghastly but she generously gave him her time.   

 

Badly physically disabled, he needed a wheelchair. He was given callipers but he gave them up in frustration as they needed unclipping to sit down. He was desperate to walk and early on would drag himself up and down the street outside his parents' home on crutches. 

 

Geraldine described the time he had his own room in her house with she and her husband as carers. He had his own garden which was overgrown. She suggested they go out and tidy the garden. After 30 minutes she noticed he was building up a head of steam as he sat holding his coffee. "Why don't you do anything?" she asked. He glowered from his chair. "It's my garden!" he roared. She realised it was important to him 'that there was no interference.'

Geraldine with her husband

 

He swore a lot, having no verbal restraint with that part of his brain being damaged. He didn't want to be mollycoddled, he didn't want any pity. He never complained about himself but complained about everyone else. 

He never demanded pain relief medicine, so it was never administered until the last week of his life in late 2011, when finally he was calm.

An honest and sometimes confronting testament to her brother's tragic legacy,

Geri found the experience of writing her book cathartic. After ten edits it was published on Amazon.

 

If you are interested in reading Geri Colson's 
tribute to her brother;
The Soldier Who Didn't Die: A Sister's Memoir,
Geri's story is available for purchase from the Amazon store:

https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Who-Didnt-Die-Sisters/dp/1728642175

Geri, the Mentone Public Library team felt very privileged to hear your story and your unwavering dedication to your brother.  
Your story has the power to facilitate a very important conversation.

Thank-you.