Note: This story is made up but will give you an understanding of what life SHOULD
be like for the disabled. This story is not based on history it's just a creative
assignment I did for TAFE.
1906 - Sydney Central hospital labor ward.
Mrs Jane Carter's water broke at 7 on a cold June morning on Pitt Street.
Meanwhile in Central hospital Mid-Wife Grace Murphy was called into a
second floor office. "Mrs Murphy", the Boss began in a serious tone "I
understand that you have been making a few errors lately". "Yes sir", she
said in a worried voice thinking she would lose her job. Jane's husband Rev
Carter, a devout Minister in the Presbyterian Church rushed her to the
hospital. Murphy was waiting out the front reading the paper trying to enjoy
the wind when the Carters pulled up.
The labor ward at 10am.
Rev Carter was waiting outside the ward thanking God that he would get
the prayers answered at long last. Suddenly he heard noises coming from
inside the ward. Sister Murphy had her hand right up Jane's vagina trying to
pull the baby out. Rev Carter rushed into the room, he yelled out but it was
too late. The damage to baby David's brain was already done.
Later that evening.
The head sister called Rev Carter into her office. Mr Carter she begin "your
son has a intellectual disability in other words he is disabled". "Oh well" her
offsider began "your child is of the devil put him away repent for whatever
sin it was that brought this on you and forget the whole thing". Rev Carter
was not pleased with the comments and began "what gives you the right to
call the son of a minister the devil son. The Lord has blessed me with a son
and so I shall thank him for his wonderful gift. I'll take my wife and child
and go."
A few months later
The brave move of Rev. Carter keeping his disabled son was proving a
wonderful move, even if he and his wife were the only two people who
thought so. Ever since the birth happened Rev and his wife grew closer to
the Lord and his creation daily. But it was not easy, going from doctor to
therapist to whoever else the Carter's could think of. The answer was
always the same as the one given at the hospital "nothing can be done".
Such an answer could never do for a minister. He knew what the hand of
God could do so he and his wife started to try and bring their boy up the
best the knew how, even if that meant getting shunned by the community.
Mrs Carter never knew if she was coming or going. I mean every time to
picked up the baby, people said she was being too soft. But every time she
put him down again another group said that she was too hard.
32 Years later - June 1938
Hi I'm David Carter the son of a devout minister. This is my life. My
parents kindly helped by giving a detailed account of my birth. My disability
is good and bad. Bad because of the fact that life is not always easy and I
have to miss out on a lot. However it isn't fair to say that there is nothing
good about it. I can enjoy things more and my father says that I am a great
help in his ministry work, for that I praise God. My father's boss says that if
I ever want my own preaching tour he can sort something out. But to tell
the truth this diary may be my preaching tour.
Six months later
The last 6 months have been full of great things. While on my father's
preaching tour a man who has much experience in the full of music got
talking to me. He says that I should think about getting into music as a
hobby. So I went to a production of Handel's Messiah. The church was
packed being a few days before Christmas. It was a very good show, so
my parents are going to help me take up the Violin. I had a nice time in
New Zealand's South Island, when I met some other people with
disabilities. It was very helpful comparing notes with them and learning how
they deal with things.
June 1939
The war against the disabled has just started in Germany. Germany wants
to save itself from it's problems. I as a person with a disability could start on
hate crusades because of this Hitler guy. But the problem with that is I as a
Christian am totally against hate. I have learnt a few things, about getting
knocked around; sometimes it can build you up. Anyway the point is that
the way I react to Hitler must be one of love otherwise I do nothing but
prove his point about me. At least I can use this point in my father's next
tour; people need God at a time like this.
December 1939
My parents decided that I should learn German, I think that since I have a
few German friends that that would help my social life along. Having a good
social life is very hard for me sometimes. So my father's German friend is
going to teach me some German. Some people think that I am that some
performing animal, some think that I am sub-human, and running a
preaching tour can be quite hard while being called the son of Satan.
June 1940
Easter was very nice I enjoyed the St Matthew's Passion. I enjoy my
volunteer work at the church. Personally I found that volunteer work does
help me to put something back into the community. I got into this volunteer
work because while I was helping my father on tour a friend of his saw how
not spastic I was, so he gave me some work so that I would not go to total
waste. I am very busy these days with therapy. My parents found about the
Spastic Center of NSW. I am learning how to talk more clearly and my fine
motor skills are coming on quite well. I may also be able to pass on some
knowledge. My father is getting a little older so I often spend nights sleeping
over with a few nice Monks.
December 1940
Christmas time again is coming; a lot of people are alone since the army is
away fighting in Germany. As a result I end up having to make a difference
well no one else wants to. You see that's the problem with been normal,
some normal people think that they have a right just to take and take
without having to put anything back into the community. Whereas I
understand how people can be needy and need help. I can't take things for
granted and so I won't.
June 1941
I am enjoying the amazing things that therapy is doing for me these days. It
is very hard work but still things must be done. The easy way out is the
worst way out sometimes. Well look at it this way let's say that I had no
therapy, where would I be, nowhere. Now yes things are hard at times but
let's see if in the long run the therapy can work out for the good, and in this
case I think that it will work out well for me.
December 1941
It is great to see that I am as a person with a disability is able to make a real
difference to the lives of disabled people. It is easer for a person with a
disability. My music to going well I may start learning the piano soon. I am
quite busy with the need of the poor again this Christmas.
June 1942
I really didn't enjoy what I heard yesursday. I heard that a so-called normal
guy got into a fight with someone because of a nasty comment about the
disabled. Revenge never works nor does being a fighting man. The guy,
who got into this fight, must have a mental age of about five.
December 1942
Christmas day was a treat this year. I enjoyed a special dinner that I help to
put on in memory of a therapist who has just passed away. I hopefully shall
get a new therapist after the holidays. Now I have more knowledge to pass
on. Happy New Year.
June 1943
The pass six months has been as busy as anything. My therapy is getting me
to talk a bit better. Also I am, finding that I am getting a little smarter now.
My 35th birthday is coming up very soon and I'm going back to visit my
home town of Sydney, some of the people who knew me when I was little
want to see how well I am doing.
December 1943
That trip ended up going many better than I thought it would. My old
friends could hardly believe that it was me. My parents have been teaching
me the violin. Again I am working this Christmas at the church. I may even
play the violin on Christmas day. I would like that!
June 1944
With a lot of the service men and women away in the war things are starting
to get quiet around here, or are they? Well a lot of single mothers find that it
is getting harder to bring there small children up. So I find that my volunteer
work is busy and because people are hungry for something they can believe
him, churches are packed when my father and I go on our preaching tours.
December 1944
There isn't much new news happening except the war. Life is very busy and
I have much to do these days. My German is coming on nicely.
June 1945
Today I enjoyed hearing the interesting stories about my German friends in
Nazi Germany before they were lucky and got out. They told interesting
tale about the bravery shown by people with disabilities. I really do feel
upset when I find out that some of the "normal people" are not learning the
same things.
December 1945
Well the war in our region is finally over, which is good for me because
now I get to start my war against unfulfilment. What I mean is this, a lot of
people who before the war thought they had it made are now noticing
otherwise, so I can now show them that a life as "bad" as mine is still worth
living.
June 1946
Well times are changing because of the fact that the returned soldiers are
maned I have a better chance of walking down the street with out standing
out quite so much. There is an increase in the need for therapy therefore it's
easier to get therapy.
December 1946
I am slowly becoming more independent these days. I can walk down to
the shops sometimes now, and I'm good at not taking notice of what people
say about or to me. My therapist is really helping me to walk better and act
better in pubic. The shopkeeper is very nice. I play the violin at some local
concerts now. I have Great Plains for '47.
June 1947
Well things are quite good at this point in time. I am meeting a lot more
people and I am getting out and about more. I am starting to learn some
French from my uncle. It's the best language for me to learn because some
of the words are like English. I can say them better.
December 1947
Well after meeting returned soldiers from the war and making new friends,
my father and I have some more people to help us with our preaching tour.
No one around here is a big Hitler fan and he didn't like the disabled so
because of that the disabled are getting a bit of a better deal.
June 1948
Today I am 32 years old, wow. This morning I had all my friends over to
help celebrate. As I look back on my life and what has happened, I
wounder how it could have been me who has done all that. I shall now help
others in the same way.
December 1948
I have been doing quite a bit lately, trying to help out at the Salvation Army.
I am currently enjoying more freedom than before; soon I will be cooking
for myself and then for church lunches. I am also doing more housework,
so my parents can take a break some times. Some friends from church are
helping me to learn how to do odd jobs.
June 1949
Things are really starting happen. I am now doing quite a lot of therapy
work myself. My speech really is coming on well. I am also trying to teach
the "normal" community about people with disabilities but a lot of them want
us locked up. But among some people things are getting better.
December 1949
These past 6 months have not been all that easy but I am very that they
happened. It seems that a few people may not have liked what I have to
give back to the community. But I dealt with rejection in a fair and Christian
manner.
June 1950
Well the 40's saw a lot of things, and in my own life some great things
happened. I really started to deal with my disability. I had lots of fun along
the away. Who said that been disabled is "bad" most likely didn't have a
disability. I enjoy my life come to think of it. I don't mind bullying quite as
much as I did because I know it will build a stronger me.
December 1950
The new decade has brought with it much excitement about what will
happen. Not since 1920 have we been able to start anew without world
problems. So it has been easier to help people because people feel that
they can make it.
June 1951
The first 6 months has been very interesting. I have been on a working
holiday to England so that I can spend some time at the top therapy centre
in the world. I am really received a lot of help while I was there. I have
brought home with me a lot of the techniques.
December 1951
This time there really isn't any new news to report. I am learning French and
German very well and am playing the violin in church again this Christmas
day.
June 1952
During this time I am starting to make up for me lack of education. Not
having much schooling means that I still have a lot to learn. Right now I am
learning basic spelling and English skills that everybody should know. A
wonderful schoolteacher heard about my not quite so good life at school,
and wants to help me make up for it. Soon I can write sermons down for
people to read.
December 1952
Well for once on Christmas day I read from sermon notes, which were
written, in my own handwriting. But I may still need to work on my
handwriting. It has been a very nice year. I enjoyed my Christmas day lunch
because quite a bit of it was cooked by me; with my friends keep an eye
out just in case.
June 1953
Now that my reading to getting better. I can go to the library once a week.
I enjoy reading now that I know how to do it better. I also meet some Uni
Lecturers while I am there. So maybe I to learn a lot more than I thought I
could.
December 1953
Well my weekly trips to the library are paying off. The lecturers are
assisting my education and I can spell now. In other news I am assisting a
couple at my church who give birth to a child with cerebral palsy, maybe
their child can enjoy a happy life without being too much of a burden on
their parents.
June 1954
I am writing to you from London today, it is the day before my birthday and
I won't have time to enjoy my birthday until the weekend. Tomorrow I go
to Cambridge where I shall prepare for my sermon that I shall read at the
meeting of the commonwealth disability missions opening day. I shall be
reading it at the King's College Church.
December 1954
Following my trip to London in the middle of the year I am working for a
mission society in Sydney, which means that I have moved back up to
Sydney. My parents are getting older so I need to do me on my own these
days which isn't easy.
June 1955
It is a nice windy day in Sydney, as I am walking up the street, I see a
group of high school students raising money for the NSW spastic centre.
As I am walking pass them they ask me to answer a few simple questions
on disability. It is nice that people helping the disabled want to check their
facts.
December 1955
I am enjoying my holiday for the first time in a while I am not doing anything
I am just getting well rested so that I can deal with the New Year.
June 1956
Well I am off to Melbourne soon to see the Olympics. I shall most likely
just be watching with my parents. Things have been busy lately, just doing
the things that I normally need to do.
December 1956
I want to tell you about the Olympics. While I was in Melbourne I saw a
few nice sports. But I also met a man from London that I saw on my recent
trip there. He told me about what is going on the London. He told me about
all the things that are going on in his ministry work, about how rival is
happening.
June 1957
I am back in London working with the British Disabled Mission Society. I
have been touring around London on preaching tours. I am up half the night
sometimes listening to stories of abuse and trying to help victims to deal
with it. Hopefully I shall get through to them.
December 1957
My parents and my friends are finding it harder to look after me so some
other arrangements will need to be found. My parents are hoping that I can
move in with friends when they pass away but we do not know.
June 1958
Things are getting very busy around the work that I do. I see a lot of hurt
people dealing with a lot of big problems. I now help to run a group that
ministers to anybody who have suffered abuse that they need help to deal
with. It is good when people find forgiveness.
December 1958
Well I finally got into a social sporting league. I play basketball in a league
for young men. Sport can be a very nice thing for people with disabilities.
There is nothing like daily exercise to keep us fit and positive. It shall be a
busy Christmas my summer preaching tour starts soon after Christmas day.
June 1959
Well today I was quite busy dealing with problems in some new therapy
equipment that arrived in the mail by air from London. It takes awhile to
deal with problems when you are on your own but it helps in the long run
because you get better at dealing with things.
December 1959
I am enjoying my holiday having another total break from everything. In life
it is very important that you can learn how to switch off and do nothing for
awhile, because unless you are all rested you can't do everything. I get back
to work in February.
June 1960
Well the 50's are over and the New Year is off to a great start. I enjoyed
my long holiday after a few very hard years. There are a few problems over
where I shall be living soon, I may be locked away but I hope it doesn't
come to that.
December 1960
I need to get my things in order it looks like my travelling and free life is
over. My folks are on their last legs and it's looks like a hospital ward will
be where my next preaching tour is. I hope that I shall be able to make the
most of my new life.
June 1961
I have a lot of things to deal with. It turns out that a mental ward is the only
place for me even when there mentally is nothing wrong with me. So now I
know what you are thinking, "his life is totally ** up he got to go to the bin".
But I am not sure about that because life is what you make it.
December 1961
If the Lord wants to send a missionary to a mental ward I shall do that. I
don't believe that my life is over just got a preaching tour set up for 30 or so
years. O well I should be able to do my job well with that time fame.
June 1962
Society can be cruel. I have just came here 2 weeks ago. The abuse in here
is evil. The beatings and the lack of things to do are cruel. You hardy get
much to eat. The people here are so full of hate that it is not funny. No
wonder the Lord sent me here, he needs someone to give the message of
his salvation to even these people.
December 1962
In the last 6 months my life has changed so much. I can't do the things that I
used to be able to do. The staff working in the place want to be anywhere
but here. They devalue us like anything. But still we must make the most of
it.
June 1963
Well the start year of my new life has ended. Things have happened, some
of the staff members may be starting to look on us a bit differently now that
I have some and started to act loving towards them. Hopefully things can
get a bit better for all of us.
December 1963
Well Christmas time is here and because of the fact that the staff on
Christmas will take most of the day off, we will be left alone. What this
means is that it shall be safe to start my first preaching tour, sure it wont be
quite as grand as King's College but the message needs to go out.
June 1964
There isn't too much news around here. Things stay the same from day to
day. Just last week there was no food for a day, because the staff were on
strike. They think they have it tough. We don't have it easy around here,
most staff think that we don't even have a right to live. I did some preaching
on Christmas day apart from being beating by staff for 2 hours nothing
happened. One of the staff members came back early and caught me red
handed.
December 1964
My friends were at the door yesterday but there were turned away. They
called out to me but they were held back. The stories that I heard about the
Jews in the holocaust I am learning about first hand. Well that's one to study
history. I hope that in the New Year God moves his hand over this place.
June 1965
Good day I really am very tried these days, I am up half to all the night
most nights these days. For different reasons, I love to preach when the
staff wont catch me, or I help people or it's the only time that I can recover
from the abuse of that day.
December 1965
I may be in a super shit place but boy I'm having a good time. I'm learning
how to deal with hard times you do that in these places, at least now I have
good friends who are also disabled. Make the most of everything good and
bad.
June 1966
Nothing much has changed this year, but I am finding ways to assist people
without being caught. You see the staff do not want these people to get the
help that they need. They see their job as keeping us out of society's way in
case we harm people.
December 1966
Christmas isn't going to be much fun this year. I just heard that we will be
locked in our rooms for 24 hours so that the staff can have a day off. At
least we will get a break from them.
June 1967
Well there is a new boss around here, and guess what she believes in doing
her job. Now while she isn't at the forefront of disability rights, she doesn't
abuse the crap out of out every time we move. Now we have a nice feed at
teatime.
December 1967
Well I may be getting some where with the people in the place. There may
just happen to be a day trip on Christmas day. A small church in the inner
part of Sydney has a minister that knew me quite well and is quite willing to
have us.
June 1968
Well church wasn't too bad actually. Some of the staff including the new
boss took us down to the city, and for the first time in 5 and a half years I
was out of the ward. We had a great time and the minister does a service in
our ward every month, which is good.
December 1968
A bit of a reformation is going on at the minute. The NSW State
Government is throwing out staff throughout the health system that they
don't believe are doing a good job. Anyway it just so happens that most of
the bad staff in my ward are gone.
June 1969
Well this place is more like a therapy place than a mental bin. A wave of
changing is being put in by the boss. She got hold of the idea that people
with a disability should have a meaningful life. So things are going well.
December 1969
We are out of the mental ward and in the therapy, although the building is
the same. Today I can't sit and talk because I got to go out. Today I shall
see old friends who want to be volunteers in the new therapy centre. The
boss says that I will become a leader.
June 1970
As part of the new therapy set up around here we are going swimming quite
a bit. Swimming can be great exercise for anyone but the disabled need it a
lot more. So we as a group go for a swim everyone at the local pool. The
people who work there don't mind having us around.
December 1970
There is a massive Christmas party here this year because we all worked
hard all year on our therapy programs there will be an extra special
Christmas day lunch. After that my first night spent away from the ward
since coming here I shall spend at a mate's house.
June 1971
We are living in the 70's. That's what I mean life at the Sydney Therapy
Centre is changing man. I mean I am learning heaps and others are walking
rolling eating, riding bikes and other things that we could not do before.
Hey I'm off to Bible College next year.
December 1971
Merry Christmas coming from Oxford University. I am here at the first
World Disabled Mission conference. By the way I just moved here, an IQ
test showed that I'm smarter than I thought so I have got a try out at
Oxford. So I shall see more of London. I don't need to live in the centre
any more because one my friends who goes to Oxford with me have talks
to my new flat mate and he knows the disabled therefore he doesn't mind
being my carer.
June 1972
I have moved to England because my try out went well. Church history at
Oxford does take a lot of time to learn I need a lot of help with my
homework but my new flat mate helps me. I live in a nice flat in the centre
of Oxford near the library and near my where the classes are held. I enjoy
making up for my bad time in primary school this way. On Saturdays I
enjoy a game of Soccer after therapy. I sometimes get to play the violin in
church of Sundays. I am quite popular in the local Bach fan club. They like
having me play at their meeting.
December 1972
Things are nice living as a free man in England. This week I am just
travelling around preaching in places where the disabled are in hospitals
wards where staff are nice people. I am enjoying visiting towns and cities in
England.
June 1973
Well I'm starting to feel young and new. I am starting to live for me a bit
more. Alongside study and preaching I get out a lot more, my flat mate and
I are seeing plays going to concerts and getting a lot out of life. In around 3
more years I shall be a minister, I hope. But church history isn't all I need to
do.
December 1973
I can't talk for long I been busy writing sermons and things for church
services that I need to do. This guy at a local church is on holidays and
needs me to take over for Christmas. I have a meeting with him in 5
minutes, so Merry Christmas.
June 1974
Recently I have spent my time around Yorkshire working in a Salvation
Army Children's home. I am on break until University starts up again.
Yorkshire has a lot of nice things to do. On the weekends I just like to walk
around and look at the nice buildings. BTW Christmas did end up being
quite nice.
December 1974
Well Christmas this year I am in Liverpool visiting those friends I made
reference to in my entry dated December 1964. They some how found out
that the ward got sorted out and found that I went to Oxford. I must run
now I am finally going to see a F.A. Cup match at the ground.
June 1975
Today is my birthday and I need to travel to Northern Ireland to see a few
people and set up a ministry office over there. So I am seeing a lot of
places. In the August break I travel to Germany to attend a special service
of forgiveness for the sin of Germany against the disabled in world war 2.
December 1975
Hi the last semester of Oxford has been nice; I have just finished my
assessment. Now I am going on holidays around England, my Salvation
Army friends are going to assist the homeless and I have nothing planned so
I am off are the North of England for a bit.
June 1976
Today I am in one of Oxford's great church libraries studying. This is my
second last semester before I finished my studies. After that I can officially
use the title Rev. Carter. My father would be pleased. Of course I have
been doing most minister duties for a while already, I must return to my
essay good bye.
December 1976
All at least I have finished main streaming schooling. I started and ended
before everyone else but I have finally done it. I now have shown to myself
and everyone else how start I am. In other news my therapist got me to
tryout for a soccer team and I was picked.
June 1977
Yesterday our team won the final of the Oxford Soccer League, which was
nice. I am thinking about if I want my own Parish or remain a travelling
preacher, I don't know. I tried staying in one place in Christmas 73 and it
went well but I like moving around and meeting people.
December 1977
I enjoyed church today, for the first time in years I was not preaching or
playing I was just in the pews having a nice time. It's important to not be so
up yourself that you wont listen to others.
June 1979
My flat and I are enjoying my visit to the USA. My carer and I went to
Disneyland last week and I enjoyed some of the rides. I saw a few nice
places in L.A. But that wasn't my main purpose for visiting in US. I went to
a few places to share the gospel with the disabled. New York was a nice
place to go I had some fun. I spoke to the NYMD (New York Mission to
the Disabled). I gave them a heap of hints and tips that will help them. I
liked my trip to the U.S.
December 1979
Sorry I can't explain why I am too busy to write. Happy New Year.
June 1980
Welcome to the 80's. The 70's weren't too bad for me but I hope to enjoy
the 80's. I have been sent to OLDHAM, a Methodist Church that has a
heart for the disabled needs a minister to head their disabled outreach, and
heard about me and offered me the role. OLDHAM is nice and I can
watch the football (soccer) on the weekends at the ground.
December 1980
In OLDHAM today I am getting ready to preach the sermon of my life. I
will be talking about my life story and about how to help the disabled. It
won't be a normal sermon; it is more like a lecture than a sermon, but been
done in side a church service.
June 1981
Yesterday, on a hot summer day in OLDHAM I took a walk along the
main street and saw some missionaries from Australia. It was good to catch
up on what is going on in the Church in Australia. I will be travelling back in
July for a visit to the therapy centre to see what is going on.
December 1981
It is quite cold in OLDHAM this week. I have been staying in indoors
mostly. But I have much that needs to be done. I am also thinking about
writing a book about my life. This journal will be the basis of that.
June 1982
Well this OLDHAM Methodist church is going to offer me my first ever
paid job. Which will be great. I have done volunteer work for well since
joining my father on his preaching tours. But now I have my own parish to
look after. In OLDHAM the Methodists look after the disability industry.
Now I get to pay tax - AMEN.
December 1982
It is Christmas Eve, I am writing tonight because this is the only time off this
holiday season that I get. I have three different churches to visit tomorrow. I
am preaching at two and going to one just to enjoy the nice music. I am
sick of not going to church just to sit in the pew and listen. I love me work
but I love relaxing a bit too.
June 1983
I have some good news; I am in the cast for the church's next production of
the St Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach. I always loved it and now I am in it.
In other news I am playing an important role in the SALOVS disabled
mission now.
December 1983
I have been working hard in Nottingham for a while. I am on a working
holiday there. They are having a meeting of Methodist preachers to try and
work out a new direction for the church. In my spare time I saw where
William Booth was born which was nice.
June 1984
It is a very hot summer day on my birthday. I am having a get to gather in a
nice park in the center of OLDHAM. We are just having a nice picnic lunch
together. It's weird how well I am doing these days. I am enjoying a normal
life.
December 1984
Well I went for my second visit to Germany in October. There was a get
together of Europe's leading disabled preachers and I was invited and I had
a good time. In November I went to Ireland for a visit it's a nice place but
it's a pity there's so much fighting there.
June 1985
I am in Scotland this month seeing a few places there. Scotland is very nice
and their capital is a very nice city. I am on a holiday so I am seeing a few
of the old castles that are around. I also saw some friends of my father who
are pleased that I am doing well.
December 1985
Again I have to work non-stop this Christmas. I am working in my own
church and with the Salvos and after Christmas I am off to visit some
people in Warwickshire who heard about me and need my help. This
morning I have a church to go to so good bye.
June 1986
I have to return to Australia for a while. The Federal Government of
Australia is making new laws about the lives of people with a disability. All
institutions are going to be shut down and the people now life in group
houses. Sheltered workshops will also being closed.
December 1986
Things are going on in Australia, which are changing the way the disabled
are treated. But I would like to wait a while before I say that things are
better. I shall stay in Australia 3 more months to help get things going. I
shall enjoy a Christmas with old friends before returning to OLDHAM in
March.
June 1987
I only just arrived back to my OLDH AM flat a few hours ago. I needed to
spend more time than I thought in Australia, but I feel that the Government
did what they did to save money not to help the disabled. Hopefully the
Australian community will do the right thing.
December 1987
It is snowing a lot today I can't leave the flat so I shall talk to you guys. I
won't get any other time. Work never stops I get to bed at 1 in the morning
most nights. I'm up talking to the needy or planing the next day or reviewing
what went on that day. If I am not doing that I pray I find that time good for
praying.
June 1988
I am now 82 and I feel 22. I have been living it up a lot. I mean my life for
my age is far behind every body else but who cares. I am doing a lot of
things. I'm about the oldest minister in the Synod if not the country but it
doesn't worry my friends.
December 1988
December is a great time for the festive season in OLDHAM. I am doing
another important role today; I am doing my Christmas shopping. All
preachers need to get gifts for their staff.
June 1989
Today I am on a retreat in the hills out of Birmingham. It is nice out here
enjoying the clean air and walking around. Last night I stayed up comparing
notes with a new other disabled preachers who are from Ireland. They said
that the C of E Catholic war is destroying things and upsetting true
Christians of both camps.
December 1989
For the first time ever I am not busy this Christmas. I am going to Sweden,
my plane leave in 4 hours so Merry Christmas.
June 1990
I have quite a bit of work to get on with. My friend and lecturer from
Oxford is coming up to see me. He says that he has been thinking about my
story lately and wants his friend at Oxford Press to help me write my book.
December 1990
Today I am taking time out to play on the church soccer team. It's the first
Saturday after Advent and the South OLDHAM church football league is
being held today. Then I have sermons to write for the festive season.
June 1991
I have a most amazing mind, I am old I have a ton of white hair but I am
smarter than before my Oxford days. I shall keep this up until I die. I go to
Paris in a few weeks to see how good my French is.
December 1991
I have not long to go before I start collecting all my sermons together so
that the church can print them. My minister has to out life me. My book is
well one the well. Again I am taking a total break this Christmas season.
June 1992
My book is coming on quite well it shall be published by Oxford Method
Press in a few months. I am busy training my helper in the roles that he must
take on when I die. I must work until that day because there is much
involved, in working with the disabled.
December 1992
It is 6 PM on Christmas Eve; I spent the day writing my Sermons and have
a light tea before sitting in front of the TV is watch Corals from Kings.
Tomorrow I have 3 sermons in different parts of the city and won't have
Christmas dinner still around 7 PM.
June 1993
Today I need to go to Bristol to visit a minister who wants to help him in his
minister, one day a disabled boy started Sunday school at his church and he
had a desire for the disabled ever since. I heard a bit about Bristol, it's a
nice place with a very needy disabled community.
December 1993
My trip to Bristol went well. I helped the guy out and heard that a mission
was set up and is going well. I need to go back down there in the New
Year and help out so I'll say goodbye to OLDHAM and move to Bristol in
February.
June 1994
My move to Bristol has proven to be a good idea. The disabled community
are really in need around here. I am enjoying life in my new church, I got a
letter from Australia a few days ago telling me that things in Australia are
going well.
December 1994
I am visiting my friends in OLDHAM this week. It's always nice to catch up
with them. But I can not really stay there for very long because there are
group houses that need to be looked after in Bristol. In the New Year I
hope to travel to Scotland for a while and see some friends.
June 1995
Well just this morning I got an important phone call from New York. A
ministry group that I saw a while back heard that I was writing a book and
wants to place a few orders for it. BTW it's coming out in 3 months I just
finished writing it last Friday.
December 1995
My book came out yesterday, but you can only get it at Christian
bookshops and some therapy centers. Last night I sat down and read it
myself I quite enjoyed it. I have a signing in the morning down at the main
Christian bookshop around here nice place to get good books. I think my
praish shall want their copies by Sunday.
June 1996
Today is my birthday and I is getting the Internet set up later today, last
night I rung my friends in Australia getting their e-mail addresses. I shall
have some fun latter surfing the net. I hear that there are some good church
sites. I'm 90 and I feel 19 Amen Praise the Lord.
December 1996
Well I have been busy trying to put together some sort of home page. I
hope to have it up by the New Year. I am going to retrier at the end of the
year. Officially I only worked for 20 years but I have been preaching for
what seems like forever. My last duty is on Christmas morning.
June 1997
I am not doing too much these days I am just taking it easy. But I help the
mission when I need to. I am living off the sales of my book. I am not doing
much any more. I am writing down more sermons that can be used after my
death.
December 1997
I am enjoying my time but not doing much any more. The Internet is proving
to be fun and I have been working on my website. I have done a tiny bit of
preaching but I have nothing on this Christmas.
June 1998
I need to take things easy in my old age my doctor said for I am close to
death.
December 1998
I Rev Don Fieldsman shall now keep you an account of Rev Carter's death.
He died last night in his sleep after a long day, when he finally completed his
writings that I shall use as I follow in Rev Carter's footsteps.
Last Updated - 20/09/2003
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