Journey of Hope by J Michael Davey

Michael was just 17 months old when he and his five siblings were dropped off at the Sydney Metropolitan’s Children’s Court and became wards of the state. As he grew up in various institutions and foster care, he was actually unaware that he had siblings.

His life in foster care was harsh. He was abused by his foster Uncle, felt unloved by his foster mother who didn’t even acknowledge his birthdays, and during “respite” times at Royleston’s Boys Home, various carers watched and interfered with the boys while they were having showers.

The shining light in such a difficult childhood were the irregular visits by his father Malcolm, who would kiss him and give him the love and focus he desperately craved. Malcolm explained to him that his mother was in hospital with “nerves” but that he would be bringing Michael home soon. Peculiarly, he failed to mention his other children.

However “soon” became a word that Michael could not trust. He went to school, and struggled, without any support or encouragement from his foster parents, and with continued abusive episodes. He began to develop delinquent tendencies: lying and stealing.

Finally, at nine years of age, his father kidnapped him out of foster care after realising some of the behaviour that was going on. Michael was discovered and returned to various institutions, but then finally was brought “home” to Malcolm and the newly discharged Patricia, Michael’s mother.

However, Patricia was still not a well woman, and behaved violently toward Michael, also locking him out of the house, and depriving him of food. The reality was that she was a violent schizophrenic, who had rejected Michael from his birth.

The bright spot in this next harsh phase was the discovery of his brother and three sisters, who were caring and loving toward him.

Michael finally escaped Patricia’s clutches by joining the navy as a junior recruit at just 15 years of age. The discipline and order that surrounded him there provided the structure that he needed. There were also some key mentors who helped him to challenge his fear of failure and lack of confidence.

He had developed various survival techniques to get through his traumatic upbringing. One was humour, with his quick wit helping him overcome awkward social situations, and escape punishment. The second, unfortunately, was alcohol, combined with risk-taking behaviour.

Twice he was involved in car accidents that should have resulted in the death of himself and all occupants. After the second, he found himself in hospital with concussion and facial cuts from being jettisoned through the windscreen. He reached into the drawer of the cupboard next to him, and started reading the Bible he found there.

That was the start of a journey of hope, which continues to this day.

While Michael is subtle about the difference that faith made, it is clear that a sense of being loved was significant, and a sense that “God had his hand on my life”. In addition, Karen Chapman, consulting psychologist, includes a comment at the end of the book that fundamental to Michael overcoming the trauma of his childhood was that he “believed in love and practised forgiveness.” These were the gifts of his faith.

While surviving his childhood, not losing himself to addictions, or even not perpetuating the abuse he himself suffered, might be considered tremendous outcomes, Michael Davey has achieved much more.

In his 20s he went back to TAFE to complete his HSC, overcoming some false starts. Then he went on to university and achieved well in his Science degree. He was offered a scholarship to complete a PhD in Chemistry, and did a diploma in Education to become a science teacher.

Michael was even offered a coveted scholarship to study medicine, but decided that his calling was to teach. This was a remarkable transformation from his poor schooling record, and the assessment of his teachers.

He also found Bonnie, a marvellous Christian woman who agreed to become his wife and helped him through 12 years of post-traumatic stress and depression.

Together they had two precious children, to whom he has granted the loving childhood he was denied.

His story is well-told in this book, full of humour and insight. It would be an encouragement to anyone who has experienced institutionalisation, abuse or depression. It comes with an endorsement from former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, Director of the depression-help organisation Beyond Blue: “I commend Journey of Hope to you for all its rawness, emotion and importantly, awakening.”

Publisher Ark House has managed to get a wide distribution for this book, and hopefully many will read this book and be challenged to look more into the faith that helped Michael overcome the horrors of his past.