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26 August, 2011

Perspective

This week has been plagued by bad news. Monday came with the sad news that another Australian soldier had been killed in Afghanistan and unfortunately he was very close to a blogger I am familiar with. Then Tuesday night brought sad news to another blogger I am close to, her cousin was involved in an accident where his two passengers were killed and he is now in a coma. Wednesday night also brought the sad news that a close friend of mine’s father had passed away that day and Wednesday morning brought some sad news closer to home.

I had been rallying my support behind these girls as best I could when I woke to the terrible news on Wednesday morning of the tragic house fire in Slacks Creek that took the life of 11 people, many of which were children. The first I actually heard of this was on the radio on my way to work and I thought, how terrible. When I got to work and turned on my computer I was very saddened to learn through online news and facebook that one of the victims was a girl I went to school with and her two beautiful little girls along with more of her family.



I went through most of high school with Anna and I will always remember her as a smart and determined, independent girl who was fighting for the bright future that lay ahead of her and who always had a kind word for everyone. Never one to get caught up in the politics and pettiness of the school yard she always seemed so focused on achieving despite the challenges she faced. She was our senior school captain and had only recently graduated with a Diploma in Law & Criminology.

I’ll always remember, when the movie Big Mommas House came out – the main character was meant to be protecting a girl called Sherry and he used to say her name in this ridiculously drawn out and high-pitched voice and from then on whenever Anna saw me she would always say my name like that. Considering I was a bit of an outcast and quite possibly the whitest girl you’ve ever seen, we found it hilarious!

Even though we were never particularly close in school and I’d only seen her a few times since around the neighbourhood this news really had an effect on me. Perhaps it was the scale of the loss and devastation, perhaps it was the way in which it happened – a particularly awful way to die, or maybe it was the fact that I had known her and that she was the same age as me. Whatever it is, it has really helped put things into perspective for me.

We all have days when we feel down, out of whack with the universe or unhappy with our pudgy bits. It’s natural and a normal part of life but when you realise the pain some people are suffering it’s a timely reminder and a much needed kick in the pants that you really have nothing to complain about and that you should be thankful for what you have, living your life and making sure that those close to you know how much you love and appreciate them because you never know what’s around the corner.

There have been a number of services held and I had considered attending but it is such a sad occasion I know I would get very emotional and I wouldn’t want to make it worse for the families. Considering I wasn’t particularly close to Anna, I feel like maybe I would be out of place and I would hate for the families to feel like there are people there just to watch the tragedy unfold. But by not attending, this is not to say that I do not feel for all the families affected and that I have not paid my respects.


My heart goes out to Misi and the rest of the families, to lose your wife and two beautiful little girls as well as close family and friends on such a scale is a pain I can’t begin to imagine and my heart aches for you. I have shed my tears and I will let your community take you into their arms and try to help you heal.

I know it will be a long time before that pain begins to subside but there is something we can all do to help these poor families through. The Salvation Army has launched an appeal for the family and every little bit counts so please help out wherever you can, even if it’s just $5.

Donations can be made by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) and quoting 'Slacks Creek fire' or online at salvos.org.au by writing 'Slacks Creek fire' in the comments box on the donation page.

9 comments (+add yours?)

~stinkb0mb~ said...

what an incredibly sad week you've had in your universe. that fire was beyond tragic. watching the news last night as it showed footage of the community gathered in front of the home and then as they watched bodies being loaded into the hearse - it brought tears to my eyes.

i hope that the community rallies around the survivors of the fire, like i know they will.

sending love to you and all those in your world who have been affected by this sad week of events.

~x~

Sheri Bomb said...

Thank you hun :) Part of why I couldn't bring myself to go to the services - I've worked in the Pacific Islander community before and their singing (even when for celebrations) makes me very emotional, it's so raw and beautiful.

Watching this week unfold has been heartbraking but again I am thankful for the reminder that what I have I am very lucky to have.

Appreciate your kinds words ♥

Glow said...

Any premature death is terrible, but the circumstances surrounding these are just shocking. When I first read about it as breaking news, I felt for sure it was a typo, surely that many people couldn't have all died so terribly? But as the reports kept rolling in I was heartbroken. Such a tragedy.
Even though you might not have been BFFs, when it's someone you have shared history with, it can rock us to our core.
Take care x

Sheri Bomb said...

I know, when I first heard the radio report I thought to myself how could that many people die in a house fire?

It is so incredibly sad and I think my heart aches more for the families that are left behind than the tragedy itself...if that makes sense?

Thank you for your support, I really appreciate it x

Emily said...

So sorry to hear that you've had such a tough week. I lost a friend in the February earthquake in Christchurch, NZ. He was someone I grew up next door to and even though we hadn't been in touch in recent years, it was still really heartbreaking to lose someone the same age as myself. It brought back a lot of really good childhood memories. So I can say that I kind of know what you're going through. It's always going to be hard losing someone you know in such a tragic way.
Thinking of you x
Emily

Sheri Bomb said...

Thank you Emily, it's such a shock isn't it. Sorry to hear about your friend, watching the Christchurch events unfold was equally heartbreaking x

Sarah said...

So many senseless deaths. It must have been such a difficult week for you, and so many others.
It truly makes you appreciate that we are here.

Daniel Meyer said...

I'm sorry to hear about all of this. Please stay strong and if you ever need help, please feel free to contact me! I've decided to stay clear of Twitter because all people don't actually take the time to read other people's material. They just cram ads down everyone's throat. So my Twitter days are behind me. Thank you for the great comments on my blog btw!

Sheri Bomb said...

Thank you Daniel, I understand the Twitter decision and I'm glad you let me know I had been a little worried about you the last few days. Take care and talk soon :)

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