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MsCowgirl 
1:31pm, October 25, 2009
All of Australia is weeping tonight. Terrible bushfires have raged through small towns and communities in the east and nearly 100 people have lost their lives. Over 750 homes have been lost, It is so tragic; the fires moved so fast that many had literally only a couple of minutes to flee. Whole families have perished trying to escape, children have been orphaned as their parents tried to douse the wind-driven flames and there are many tonight who do not know whether their loved ones have made it. My heart goes out to all those affected and they are in our prayers tonight.
I hate fire. I would rather have 20 floods than 1 bushfire. Twice our home has been threatened by bushfires, the last time authorities told us to prepare to evacuate. The fire front came within 300m, when suddenly the wind changed and bushed the flames back on themselve. I have never been so grateful or so scared in my whole life!
A few years ago, on my first day at a remote nursing post, I recieved a call to say two young lads had been caught in a farm fire and sustained serious burns. It took 4hrs for the Royal Flying Docter to arrive and in the interim I, and a couple of local ambulance volunteers tried our hardest to save their young lives. One had 65%, the other 85% burns. Jack, the 16yr old boy died and I will never forget how brave he was, how appreciative he was and how beautiful he was, because for the first few hours he could talk and tell us how he was feeling. I will also never get over the impact of having to call his parents to tell them what had happended. I am thinking of them too tonight.
This journal entry is in memory of Jack and all those affected by the fires today.
Comments
Oh my God. I just saw this in the news, and logged in to check on you. This is horrible. What a moving story. A friend of mine lost her 16 year old son to a car accident, and I have an idea what those parents have to live with - withOUT. These are among the questions I have for God if/when I get to Heaven. None of this makes any sense to me. Still, I'll remember to pray for these people, you, and Jack's family.
Hugs,
B
Bistro
My prayers are with you.....
marymargaret
My heart goes out to all affected by this tragedy. Prayers being said...
SoarinEagle
Watching the news coverage of these fires is absolutely horrifying. I hope that you and your family are safe. I hope the fires will be gotten under control soon and I grieve for all those who have perished and all those who lost their homes. What an absolute tragedy. On the news they said they think some of the fires were set by arsonists. Absolutely unbelievable!
dottiew
I am so sorry to hear about the fires - I saw Bistro's post in the journal and I checked your journal. I was at my goddaughter's house and not checking the news or email or anything else - too busy with the kids and people (baby holding every chance I got).
Wishing you all the best and many hugs,
Lynne
lycesq
You will be in my prayers. I am so sorry.
remembertheleaves
You are in my prayers and so are all my friends and relatives in Australia. It is a sad day, indeed. Fran
FlyHigh
I have just re-read this post, aloud to my husband. We are so sorry and sick in our souls for all who have been impacted, and lost, in these fires. Bless your heart for living with this, something I have only been marginally around in my life. Warm, soft hugs to you, girl...then send them out to your country.
peace,
tessie
Tessie2