As 2009 chimed in, I leapt outside my house and stood in the front garden, determined to be my own first foot this year (minus the dark looks and male anatomy). I was amazed by the number of fireworks lighting up the sky in all directions around the neighbourhood. It is very moving to witness a point in time when most people look forward with positive mind and steely determination to improve their lives or the lives of others in some way. The feeling was very uplifting and swept through me as if I was enjoying my favourite song at a huge gig in Wembley, or seeing England football team win the World Cup (some things you can only imagine!).
I closed my eyes.
Somehow, without warning, I heard the sounds differently. The harmony of explosion and colour, and the whirrs of Catherine wheels became loud bangs and terrifying trails that echoed around my head, bouncing like ammunition from house to house in no predictable direction. My mind transported me to the Gaza strip and how that must feel – the sheer fear of every minute of every day. I lack the ability to describe similarities in more detail: I have never experienced live warfare, nor the fear of knowing nowhere safe; nor did I ever feel as a child that even my parents could not keep me safe. I am exceptionally lucky, as most of my generation are.
I can (and do) wish for greater success in my business in 2009: that Boost continues to move from strength to strength as our brand becomes more established. But more than this, I hope 2009 sees the world become a more understanding, tolerant and peaceful place. And most of all, I dream that all the bombs become fireworks, the colours of which light up the hopes of humankind beneath them, reminding us all of our humanity and love.
Happy 70th Birthday to my darling father, James Rochester, who is a great dad, mentor and friend, as well as being a brilliant strategist and manager. He has helped move Boost Multimedia forward in a sure and systematic way.
Entry: Traci Rochester
