The effects of the firestorms and floods have been widespread and earth-shattering. Even those, like us, who are safely out of harm’s way, feel the reverberating pain of these tragedies – estimates of
people perished in fires, two people gone and thousands of animals dying slow awful deaths
.
I have been alternately mesmerised with horror and then unable to watch the television news broadcasts of what has happened – what is still happening. Those I talk to say the same thing – it’s too big to handle in one hit. The feeling of quiet awful anguish for those in the path of the fires, of silent helpless sympathy for the thousands of families and livestock affected by the floods leaves me spent, and strangely guilty that we have been spared.
I take refuge from these swirling emotions in my kids –
the ‘normalness’ of their play and laughter and bickering. I try to hold at bay the thought that there are children not laughing, who will never laugh or bicker again. I try to turn it into a thought that allows me to treasure my kids even more. It works most of the time.
…
Gem posted about
her husband today – one of the thousands of physically and emotionally exhausted heroes who are still battling to keep
other people and property safe. She has shared how they
miraculously managed to save their own home, but their relief is tinged with guilt knowing so many have lost so much. These firefighters – mostly volunteers – are undoubtedly incredible. And often at their wit’s end.
As a family friend and firefighter wrote in an email a couple of days ago:
.
We did something but it was inadequate…We spent the late afternoon following the devastation and putting out what remained. Most had not seen a fire truck, it was so quick and they to fend for themselves…Where I was many had saved their houses but they were in a state of shock, all out buildings gone, it was like out of the movies with darkness and so much still burning.
These men and women are experiencing and seeing first hand the fallout from what has been described as “equivalent to more than 600 Hiroshima bombs”. Others have said it was like being “ready for a king tide, but instead getting a tsunami”. A holocaust of the worst of Man and Mother Nature. I can’t help but think that it will take the very best of Man and Mother Nature to bring this part of our nation back to life.
…
I’m proud that my countrymen and women are opening their hearts and
their wallets to help – we have surpassed the generosity of our government already. I’m proud of my sister for giving some of her blood – she has the type everyone can use so she is, in effect, giving some liquid gold to victims. Gem and her husband have donated all the hay in their saved shed to locals who will desperately need the fodder for their surviving animals.
…
Aussies are, on the whole, good people. We have certainly been shocked out of our infamous laid-back attitude/apathy by these disasters. Some
good stories are emerging. And people from all over the world are doing what they can – sending messages of support, clothing and monetary offerings for the massive rebuilding effort that must take place.
How the hell we heal these communities emotionally, I really don’t know.
Time and support, I guess.
And evidence that the human race can provide something positive and strong rather than being negative and destructive. Reports this morning say that
arson has been ruled out in the
Kinglake fire (one of the most deadly) and this feels like a tiny step along that road.
…
This photo has been published worldwide and, despite everything, it makes me smile.
The photo was taken by a firefighter (Russell Vickery ) and the koala handed over to a rescue group soon after. Apparently the Sam the koala (a female) suffered burns but is recovering well – the generous firefighter (David Tree) is no doubt still doing his job. Apparently if you want to purchase this amazing picture, you can phone the Herald Sun Shop on 1300 306 107 and proceeds will go to the appeal.
I just read that flood victims are giving to fire victims. Incredible… so how else can we help the fire and flood victims smile again ? I will leave the info up on my sidebar for people to leave messages or to send money to help rebuild.
…Last word today, to poet Dorothea McKellar, written over 100 years ago…
I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of drought and flooding rains,
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel sea,
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me.
Attribution: all photos used in this post from news.com.au
This past week in Australia has been devastating. 
23 Comments
Reddunappy
Amen BB, words, there are none.
A Novel Woman
It breaks my heart, all of it. You said it well. Now the people who survived the devastation need love and support and money to rebuild their lives. We can, at the very least, do that.
Debby
Oh, BB, what a lovely tribute to the resiliance of your country. The awful visions of this fire, of the catastrophic losses will be replaced ever so slowly by sheer courage and kindness.
Deb
Saying “I’m sorry” seems so inadequate at a time like this but my heart breaks for all your countrymen affected by the fires and floods. Our Televisions are flooded with photos and it almost seems surreal – unimaginable.
I think these horrific events have touched people in some way world wide and hopefully everyone will pull together and do what they can, to help re-build your beautiful country.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all –
Cactus Jack Splash
Beautiful post, so very touching.
God bless all of you in Australia.
sues2u2
What you said describes exactly how I felt watching/surviving 9-11. My Hubby had just left serving in the White House to serve in another organization for the military & we had so many friends who lost so much or were in the paths of those lost.
My heart goes out to all of you. I'm thankful that as a world we can all join together in times of crisis to help our world family. And mostly I pray for those lost & found.
Scotty
Well said, BB.
jeanie
Don’t be too proud of me yet – Red Cross don’t want my antibiotic contaminated blood – the good news is they will be wanting it for months!
Great post.
Lil Mama
Good Lord! I had no idea this was even going on! My thoughts and prayers go out to every one Down Under.
On a side note. I thought Koalas were vicious little critters?
Reddirt Woman
you Aussies are some tough people. Not any words… just tears and prayers.
Helen G.
Mom L
I cannot begin to imagine this. One of my nieces experienced the horrendous fires in California, but I have only lived through hurricanes. My prayers are with all who are struggling to recover from the disaster.
Nancy
Bush Babe
Thanks guys… will pass your comments on to some of those most affected.
🙂
BB
Bush Babe
PS Lil Mama – those are Tasmanian Devils you are thinking of (I think!). Koalas couldn’t be stuffed with the effort of being vicious – much like most Aussies!!
I'm Julie
Beautiful post, Bush Babe. Your friends over here in the States are praying for you.
FYI to non-Aussie readers – I just went to the “Australian Red Cross” website and it was very easy to make a financial donation and designate it for Victorian Fire Relief.
God bless!
ox Julie
Mary Paddock
I saw the shot of the Koala somewhere yesterday and thought it nicely summed up human spirit at its best under duress.
This is beautifully said.
Andrea
Mother Nautre is not very nice. Fires are so devistating, floods are so devistating. My heart goes out to all those who have lost everything, and to those Heros, who are trying to save what is left.
I know what it is like to loose all that you have. We were hit by a horrible hurricane and our house was picked up off the ground and tossed on the driveway. There where holes in the roof and water everywhere. Devistation.
I will keep them all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sabra
Your heartfelt words are very touching. Tears and prayers…
Tracey
You are so eloquent, BB. You’ve said it all and more. I keep getting choked up every time I’m listening, watching or reading reports, but I don’t think I could go near to putting it all in words as you have done.
It seems the koala video was taken during backburning operations. Article here. I just found this article.. and I’m not sure what to think now – having sniffled my way through the video, and this subsequent story about that same koala finding ‘lurv’. Article.
(Did the backburning cause their burns?!!!)
And a wild koala apparently would most likely scratch and bite if a human approached it… That’s why the way this one was so trusting has tugged at our collective heart strings….
Jayne
Smoke in Melb now, really stinky and reminding short memory ppl of the horror.
A Novel Woman
A link to Adelaide Now has a slide show of faces of the victims, just a small percentage of them, and it was almost too much to bear. My heart is so heavy. I just don’t know how to take it all in….
Rose
Anytime there is tragedy, it gives us the perspective to truly appreciate all our blessings. Australia is in my thoughts, and I pray for everyone that has been affected by the horrible things that are happening there.
steviewren
Times of tragedy seem to bring out the best in humanity. Which is good because that is when it is needed most.
May God bless your fellow countrymen.
MJ
Wow, BB, very moving. I just want to come and help. Everyone is in my prayers. You all are so strong.