Victoria, Australia.We have just experienced the most horrific weekend of bush fires ever recorded for my home state. The official figure for loss of life is 108 people and climbing. And they've stopped counting, for the moment, but there's been over 700 houses lost to the fires as well. Then of course there's the animals, pets and wildlife.
It really is devastation.
One area concerned has touched my life in that people I know have lost everything to the fire and only managed to save themselves by running from garage to shed to horse stall and finally in a horse box under a horse blanket... after the fire's front went through they ran out into the charred paddock and stood there with one singed dog, the only animal they managed to grab, and stood and watched as their home of 25 years disappeared in a cauldron of flames.
All of this within a 30 minute drive from where I live.
Here's a shot, taken on Saturday, of where I lunched on Australia Day a couple of weeks ago.
The same story is being repeated all round the state... region after region, town after town. Why not visit Loz, a fellow Victorian, and read his thoughts too.
It's so hard for this bear of little brain to cope with.
My thoughts, my hopes and my heart goes out to all those touched by this tragedy.
_____________________________________________
P.S. As unbelievable as it seems, it is known that some of these fires were deliberately lit.
ARSONHOLES(sorry)
14 comments:
It's awful, Bear. Truly awful. We have been spared in Sydney, although they did catch two guys who deliberately lit some fires. I just don't understand why anyone would do that. It perplexes me, angers me, and saddens me at the same time.
I am glad you're OK but am so terribly sad for those who have lost everything. You take care of yourself.
I live in Ferntree Gully and on Saturday we had one around 500 meters from home. But we are the lucky ones. My heart goes out to those others who have lost their lives.
I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and that I have been sending silent prayers of thanks that you and your family are ok.
Selma:
Thank you for your thoughts, Selma.
I'm not quick to anger, but I must say that arson of this kind makes my blood boil.
Loz:
I have a colleague that lives in your area and he said he has had a sleepless weekend.
Butch:
I want to thank you for talking me through the emotions of all this... your voice has proven to be such a soothing balm.
I'm here from Romany Angel's blog and I'm still shocked over the news. It's awful! My heart goes out to those families left behind and to those who no longer have homes. I'll be praying for them.
How tragic. And how maddening to think these were deliberately lit. PM Rudd is right about one thing - these arsonists should be charged with mass murder.
Dear Bear....I too came over from Romany Angel's blog to let you know this Canadian heart is hurting for you and the human beings in your community. It is so unbelievable that some of these fires were deliberatly set....there are some truly sick people out there.
take good care... thinking of you.
Every time I see these fires mentioned in the news, I think of you!
How awful!
(Awful that the fires are so destructive, not awful that I end up remembering you. :)
Bear: I'm not as nice as you Bear. I'd like to tie up the mongrels who did this and let the families who have lost everything just go for their lives. Let them feel what it's like to be helpless, let them feel the pain of suffering. It still wouldn't be even close to what the bushfire victims are feeling today but at least it might make those who are grief stricken feel better.
I am so relieved you're okay Bear and not in any danger. I've been really been worried about you and Loz and all the people who are in harms way. Let it be over soon.
Scarlet:
I can tell you that those who are still standing are in deep shock.
Thank you, Scarlet.
Mum-me:
Thank you for dropping in... I agree, arson is property and murder is people. They should have the book thrown at them.
Awareness:
Thank you so much for your thoughts and kind words.
Janna:
Too late my dear... you've dug the hole, let's see you get out of it.
Actually you gave me a smile, thanks for that and your thoughts.
Romany Angel:
My dear Angel, I wouldn't stand in your way if that's what you want to do to them.
It seems that Loz and I got just about as close to it all as we would ever want to.
All:
Thank you so much for sharing your kind thoughts and wishes to not only me, but to all of us in Victoria. And to you new visitors, please feel welcomed to visit anytime.
Oh Selma and Angel:
Who would've thought it hey? Someone from NSW and SA showing genuine concern for a VIC... don't let that get out, girls, or you'll never live it down.
xxx
I wondered how far you were from the flames...
May God have mercy!
I have been praying all week for the land of Oz. And I'm praying that the arsonists will find their "arses" in jail for many MANY years!
Even a Vic deserves a break in times of tragedy.... :) I think Selma will agree with me here in saying that we all have a go at each other and there's definitely friendly rivalry there, but we are all Aussies and that's all that really matters. I'm sure you would do the same for us....wouldn't you? Wouldn't you Bear? Hmmmmm.....
Groovy:
Thank you Groovy, and you're not alone as far as the arsonists are concerned.
Romany Angel:
You're right, Angel, we're all Aussies. (VICS more so than the rest of course) And I agree that our spirit, mateship and ability to not take everything too seriously is what makes us a unique mob.
So... you're friends with Selma hey...? You DO know she's from NSW don't you...?
:)
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