A lot has been written by other bloggers about the devastating bushfires that have occurred in my home state of Victoria. It is so so hard to comprehend the numbers of lives lost and homes destroyed. The sheer number of people now homeless and without a possession to their name other than the clothes on their back. I have not felt like posting this last few days and I am sure I am not the only one. Every time you hear the radio or turn the tv on there is another horror story. In yesterdays paper a 12 year old girl lost her parents and younger sister and is now in the Childrens hospital with burns. My family will donate to the Red Cross Bushfire appeal, at this stage this is the most useful way of helping but I am sure in the months to come there will be the opportunity to help in other ways. Yesterday I was able to busy my hands and make a difference to someone. We are quite a distance from the main devastation but in our hospital (where I work in reception) we have a family affected by the fires. The husband, wife and son had been here visiting the husbands father who is in hospital dying under palliative care at the moment. While they were here they lost their house to the fire on Saturday, in fact every house in their street is gone and at least 9 of their neighbors are missing presumed dead. On Sunday the wife went into labor and delivered a little baby girl 3 weeks early. I went shopping yesterday and filled a bag with some baby clothes and towel, some toys ,a book and shirt for the son, a magazine, hand cream and the like for the new mother and a lotto ticket for the family - they could certainly use some luck at the moment! It was only a small thing but may just let them know that people are thinking of them. A local friend from blogging land is giving a quilt.
It is a time of counting our blessings and giving thanks for our family , friends and our homes. Another reminder to make the most of each and every day..... It is also a time to say Thank you to the CFA staff and volunteers that have left their families and have put their lives on the line to fight this fire and pray that they return home safely.
Thank you to everyone around the world who is thinking of us Aussies at the moment.
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7 comments:
I can't even begin to comprehend the levels of devastation and am so so sorry for anyone involved.
Thinking of you all at this painful time
April xx
My heart just goes out to you guys over thre. We are definately praying for you all.
dawn
Your country has been in my thoughts and prayers since the beginning. I can't imagine the heartache so many people have to endure. I hope the pain and suffering comes to end soon.
~Karen~
dear chocolate cat, it has been such a dreadfully sad week - even after watching it every night on the news, I cannot quite believe the appalling devastation and loss. Being so far away, I do not know anyone personally involved, and we too have donated to the Red Cross appeal. But Abby and I would like to be able to send something useful to someone in need - perhaps I could send a replacement favourite toy or book for the little boy you mention in your sad, sad post. Let me know. lily
I know exactly how you feel and I am glad that you could do something that you knew would be gratefully accepted. It is so hard to know what to do and whilst clothing and personal products are needed right now, down the track they will also be needed. I have bundled together a box of things to send to a lady in Victoria who is organising care packages for children to have while their parents/families start rebuilding their lives, at least I know that it will be going exactly where it is needed. It is going to be a long time before anything returns to 'normal' or a new normal but it is nice to know that there are so many people out there that want to help. Please let me know if you can think if anything that we can organise here in Brisbane that you know is desperately needed.....even if it is only one family...we need to be able to help.
Kiss Noises Linda Lilly Cottage
I'm so glad to see you're okay. Please know that you and those that live in the area have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Lord, I think you that the Chocolate Cat and her family are safe and that she is able and willing to reach out to others. Please bless others through her.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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