Our Sad week

I have not written this week as I felt I just couldn't find the words to express how we are feeling in Australia after a horror week.

As mentioned in the post about my Dad, I have experienced the Ash Wednesday fires in ‘83 and then also watched burning embers fall onto my roof in the Canberra fires. So whilst I can visualise the burning red sky, night during day and the blackened earth and feel the convergence of grief and community spirit I just cannot come to terms with what has happened in Victoria over the past few days. Every Australian knows or will know someone involved, whether loss of home or life – already we know both.

This article gave me at a least a picture in my mind of what they went through and I can only pray for them and be thankful we are safe…

Many people across Australia and even the world are coming together to support in any way they can… yesterday an Australian Company gave away $12,000 worth of batting in two hours for groups who are making quilts for those who have lost everything…we have a few things in planning here also.

At the other end of the country our thoughts also go to our friends from our Townsville days who are under flood – go figure…

so hugs to you and yours today, because you just don't know what tomorrow brings.

Helen

Comments

[Dawn]

Helen, my heart and prayers go out to you and all of Australia during this tragic time. I pray the fires will be out soon and the flooding will end.

[Janine]

i live in victoria and have been feeling flat all week. the news is so devastating
and emotional. i have joined a group making charity quilts for the survivors.
it makes me feel better to be able to make something special for someone who has lost everything.

[judy gill]

wow helen that story from gary was scary. I cant believe what horrible terror a lot of these families have been through. it makes my heart ache. I guess all we can do to help is dig deep into our pockets and donate to the red cross etc. I also worry about all the animals that have been killed or injured. a lot of veterinary practices are collecting collars,leads,hot water bottles etc which is great.thanks for sharing your thoughts

[Julie]

My prayers are with you all in Australia as you deal with the horrors of these fires.

[Tracey Craig]

Helen, My heart goes out to you and your family and friends. It's awful going through a disaster like that. I'm glad you're safe. You're in my prayers. Hugs, Tracey

[Diana]

Is Gary Hughes your father? This is an incredibly sad and tragic story. I live on the other side of the world from you. I have heard how horrible these fires are. I am so sorry you and your family are going through this time of loss and tragedy. My prayers are with you.

[Heather]

It's absolutely heartbreaking. Please do let us know if there's any way we can help.

[kari]

My heart goes out to you! When we began to hear of your disaster in Australia, I immediately thought of you and all your wonderful stitching friends there and families. We lift you up in prayer and let us know where to send quilts from the USA, Kari

[Shelly]

Just as most people cannot imagine what it is like to go through a hurricane, I can not imagine what it is like to endure the fires that your beautiful country is enduring. Most times Australia feels like it is JUST another place on the map; however from getting to know you and others from there through the wonderful blogosphere, it is no longer just a place on the map. It is now the home of beautiful people that I "know" and know of that are truly suffering. My heart and prayers go out to you and all those that are touched by the fires--whether through a loss of material things or human life, those fighting the fires, those that that have friends and loved ones that are suffering through the fires. I've seen blogs where people can make quilts or quilt squares for those in Australia left with nothing. I will be contributing in my own small little way; but it somehow just doesn't feel like enough.
All our love, Shelly

[Annette]

Please count on me when the time comes to help you put things together. Our prayers and thoughts, love and hope go out to all in Australia every day. We pray for a quick end and smooth albeit tough recovery.

[Lurline]

With tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart - at the moment we are truly blessed!
Hugs - Lurline♥

[Carla Finley]

His story tears at my heart. I'd like to help someway.

[Gari]

This morning I read that article on another blog and could do nothing but cry: he made the unreal so very real. My heart and prayers go out to everyone. I am going to be participating in sending blocks to Australia to be made into quilts for survivors. It seems like so little but it is something I can do.