Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Sometimes, odd things affect me...

...as is the case with the horrifying fires that are ravaging Australia right now.

A friend wrote from Down Under to tell me an acquaintance was nearly killed by one of the fires in a place called Yarra Glen. That bothered me, of course. But the devastation didn't hit me, I mean truly hit me like a fist in the gut, until I saw this photo on an Australian newspaper's website...



I admit it: I wept. Not just for the koala, but for all the humans and animals who have suffered and died down there. And for the bravery and courage of those who have fought the fires and saved what, and whom, they could.

There are times when, self-absorbed as I am, I realize that all in life is not about me.

5 comments:

Lou said...

I'm not in Aussi either but I have been very affected as well. I guess partially because my best mate lives close to Kinlake but also because the footage has been so up to the minute, so graphic and so naturally emotive. The world is on our doorstep now and everyone's our neighbour so I guess we should expect to be affected like it really is happening to the house next door.

John0 Juanderlust said...

I think I saw something about it being deliberately set. It's sad.

Anonymous said...

What a touching picture. How incredibly sad.

deb said...

Saw this pic on the evening news and was absolutely stunned.

tamale said...

that's beautiful...awwwww.