Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie...

My country's been having a difficult time of it over the last few weeks. I know many of you have been hearing about the unbelievable bush fires down in Victoria that have taken so many lives in an awesome and terrifying rage. In South Australia they've been struggling with soaring heat waves that have devastated the elderly and the very young. In NSW they've had fires too - though not as bad as Victoria's (and they've been sending many of their own firefighters over to Victoria to help). And then my state, Queensland, has had such severe rain and flooding that by the end of last week, more than 60% of my state was under water! 60%. And QLD is a really big state.

Nothing has affected me directly - we've been fine in Brisbane - but my heart as really really ached for all of those who have been facing such devastating natural disasters. It's difficult to see the images and hear the stories and not be able to rush to their side. Prayers help I hope. I've been really proud of my country though, and the way we've all pulled together, and been so generous. I was humbled the other day to hear about the people up in Northern QLD (some of whom are completely cut off from the rest of the world by flood waters), who have received monetary government assistance to help with the floods, and who have then turned around and donated it directly to the bush fire appeals. We've only got a small population in Australia, and yet we've raised over $100,000,000 in that appeal. And people are sending everything from clothes to beds to fridges to those who have lost everything.

My Mum's just started a blog now too: Sandy Speak, and she's posted 2 really fabulous articles about the things that have been going on. One is just photos, and the other is written. She's managed to say what I feel but haven't been able to put into words. Please go have a read if you have a moment (and leave her a comment - she loves comments too!).

xo Tammy

PS. I know, I know. I haven't written in ages and I was supposed to write every day! My Internet at home has been down, and then I've been really and honestly flat out with everything I have to do each day.... :)

4 comments:

emilysuze said...

How sad and scary! I'm glad that you and your family are safe.

emilysuze said...

P.S. Thank you for telling Parker that his due date is today! I actually thought I was going into labor this morning, but my contractions stopped after 40 minutes. Then I also found out that I'm not dilated at all when I saw my midwife today. :(

However, he still has the whole afternoon and evening to make his appearance, so maybe he'll come later today!

Jess said...

Hey Tammy. I know it is horrible with the current disasters in Australia. Some positive news though - Sony put together in 4 days a Bush Fire Aid CD with hits from famous artists. It is expected to raise even more money. (I saw this on the tv this morning).

Lots of Love,
Jessima

emilysuze said...

1) Perhaps I should explain that my midwife is a very petite woman--small hands and small arms. :)

2) I would be extraordinarily happy with Saturday, February 28th as a birth date for Parker, so I'm hoping that your baby mojo works for me like it did for Brecken!