We Remember
One year ago today, February 7th 2009, Victoria was devastated by bush fires.
Black Saturday.
173 people died. Men, women, children.
Over 2,000 homes were destroyed.
More than 5000 professional and volunteer fire fighters fought the blazes.
Over a month 450,000ha of land was destroyed.
Small towns were all but lost.
The words Kinglake and Marysville on everyones lips.
I cannot begin to describe the grief so many people felt, still feel.
I can not begin to describe the mood of Victoria as people returned to work on the Monday. A quiet sense of loss, shock, overwhelming sadness is the best I can do. But is doesn’t come close.
The human spirit shone in the days after, an outpouring of support – financially, emotionally, physically. This support was nation wide – it was the start of the healing process, visible to all.
The bush is recovering, green growth covering blackened trees and ground. One year on we have continued on with life, but many are still beginning again, rebuilding homes and lives.
One year on we remember.
Megan at Writing out Loud has also blogged about this day, you can read that here.
