Damnation…
When I tapped out yesterday’s post asking y’all to keep in mind the terrible conditions in the south of our great nation, I had no idea of the enormity of what was happening. Of what would happen. No idea at all.
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When I heard 40-something people had perished this morning, I felt physically ill. I checked the blogs of those I knew were down there in the fires’ paths, and came away concerned for a couple of them. Again and again I was taken back to my own experiences amongst such fires. Although the fires I covered were a little less destructive in terms of human life, they gave me a terrible appreciation of the potential scope of destruction. As each news report has come in, the weight of Australia’s worst ever fires is settling, heavy and ominous. Tonight the death toll stands at 84. Police expect it to exceed 100. Unthinkable. Unbelievable. Unbearable.
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This afternoon I finally heard Gem was OK and her family had survived the inferno. She made time to post even in her post-shock state, saying:
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I am so close to tears at every second.
I feel like I am grieving but I should be rejoicing as we came through unscathed – physically.
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She has also since posted an amazing series of photos here of how she and her husband faced down the fires. It’s worth a look.
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For a moment, as I look at her blog, I think I understand. I don’t of course, not really. I can imagine the smell of the smoke and ashes, the stinging of eyes as you look over the remains of buildings you once knew, the surreal look of the should be familiar landscape around. But I cannot imagine the feeling of knowing your neighbours have lost everything they own. Of knowing cherished pets and animals have perished. I cannot imagine the community shellshocked from losing members in an instant. I cannot imagine how you lift yourself to face the next day, as surely these people and communities will.
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And most of all, I cannot imagine the kinds of minds that begin this kind of madness. That justify to themselves that this is some kind of sport, lighting fires ‘for fun’. I watched as a forensic psychologist methodically explained the behaviour, and felt no closer to understanding. I don’t think am a particularly vindictive being, I cannot help but think there must be some kind of special damnation for those responsible for this entirely uneccessary carnage.
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What kind of soul does this?
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I wrestle with this crippling, unanswerable question.
And cast it aside.
My thoughts tonight are instead with the survivors, and the families of the victims.
May the rains come.
May your communities hold firm and rebuild.
May dreams rise from the ashes once again.
And may this never, ever happen again.
11 Comments
Gem
Thanks for posting this BB. I posted tonight because we had so many phone calls and emails and blog comments wanting to know how we were doing. I am feeling very lucky and very loved. If the situation was reversed, I know that I hate waiting for info and just can’t stand not knowing.
We appreciate everyones thoughts and wishes but the devastation that has been wrought on our state is incomprehensible and we truly are one of the very lucky families.
I am finding it hard to go to bed. How do you switch off after something like this.
Thanks again BB.
Jayne
Been almost in tears a few times, BB, listening to ABC radio 774 with people calling in desperately looking for lost loved ones.
It’s beyond understanding how anyone could enjoy lighting fires and murdering people.
A Novel Woman
It really is hard to imagine such heat and drought that you’ve been experiencing down there. I hope the rain comes soon, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Scary stuff.
sues2u2
I'm w/ you BB in that there has to be a special hell for those who can commit such despicable acts. And yes, Gem's photo diary is so frightening. Just makes my stomach drop & form into terrible knots thinking of all those people.
Still w/ all of you in thoughts & prayers.
Pony Girl
So sad. I can’t even imagine. My thoughts and prayers are with you all over there!! Stay safe!
Mom L
What a horrific thing – Gem’s photos make it real for those of us fortunate enough to not be there. I agree with the others – there has to be a special damnation for people who set these malicious, murderous fires. They’re in a league with the greedy ones who loot and pillage during and after a major disaster.
Lydia
I am so sorry to see what your nation is going through — my parents came so close to losing everything in a wild fire some years back. It is so terrifying.
We heard about the fires here in South Dakota and are keeping you all in our prayers. Our thoughts are with those who are lost and those who have lost loved ones, homes, and peace.
Thanks for keeping us updated.
Reddirt Woman
BB, only a lost soul would do something so despicable. Too many out their have no self respect, much less respect for others, and they are so full of hate that all they want to do is destroy everything and everyone. I don’t understand how anyone can not value life. Thank you for sharing Gem’s site. I cannot imagine the pain and destruction. Thankfully, Gem and her hubs made it through.
Helen
Portia
Sending prayers for rain, the survivors and rebuilding efforts.
I'm Julie
Here in So. Cal, we battle bush fires every October/November, and they are horrific. I’ve spent the evening checking in on all my friends in Australia. I really, really feel for you all right now, and am keeping all your friends and family who may be in harm’s way in my prayers. Lots and lots and lots of prayers and love coming Down Under from Southern California right now.
Sabra
Thanks for the updates, BB. May the rain soon fall where it is needed most, best wishes to survivors and their loved ones.