There have been bushfires in the state of Victoria, Australia, that have claimed lives. Thousands of people are homeless from it and several towns have been destroyed.
Some of these fires were deliberately lit, which makes it all even more of a tragedy. Humans deliberately harming humans and causing death, and what for? Their own amusement of course.
It has taken me a few days to be able to write about it as I have been in shock from it all. I have not been directly affected by the fires, but I am still affected by them.
For the past week, I have been trying to find the words to convey the way I’m feeling about it all, but nothing I have come up with compares to the suffering of those right in the middle of it.
Sorry is a cliche, and as it is so widely used, is inadequete for me to repeat in the context that other people have been using. My sorry is for not being able to fully comprehend the magnitude of the events and for not being able to find the words to convey what I am feeling for the victims.
Yes, the nation, and the world, are pulling together and generously giving what they can to the victims, but it doesn’t change what has happened. No matter how much money, clothes or other supplies we give, it is not going to take away the hurt or bring those who have perished back.
In our small town, there has been no collection point for much needed goods, which we just have sitting around. Required are toiletries and other such items, of which we have more than 100 soaps and shower gels that we can donate, but the cost of sending them would virtually bankrupt us, and would cost more than the items themselves.
We don’t have a credit card, so donating money hasn’t been easy. Yes, there are other ways of giving money, but getting to these other places means putting more financial hardship on my own family too.
For days, I have been racking my brain trying to find ways to do my bit. Friday 13 January was the day. Coles supermarkets were donating their profits for the day to the appeals, so we spent up large, getting those items we have been meaning to get an never got round to. A multipurpose shop you could call it, where our needs were met and about $110 of what we spent will be heading to those who need it- it still isn’t enough though, not really.
The animals have been suffering too, so some of my shopping was pet supplies. These are the only things being sent to Victoria from my town, so I did what I could. Animals aren’t able to talk to us and tell us what they are feeling, so are often forgotten. Not by me, and I have donated goods for birds, fish, small mamals and cats and dogs. Not a lot, but it is at least something.
As my tribute to those who have suffered, there are no graphics on this blog to convey the somberness I feel writing this. I will not assign a category, which means that it will fall to the default- Homeless Posts- which seems to be the most appropriate.
My heart is truly breaking for my country, and yet I am so proud of the generosity that has come at a time like this. I’m sure it is greatly appreciated by one and all.
Humans can be cruel, but they can also be compassionate, but it usually takes a tragedy like this for it to be really noticed- and that itself is a tragedy.