[Oldsparkie]

Hi All

Slightly off subject I know but I am sure you have all read of the dreadful bushfires that struck the State of Victoria in Australia last Saturday 7 Feb. Currently 181 are confirmed dead with the expectation that many more will be found as they go through the burnt out remains of the 700 plus houses that were lost.

I live about 30KM away from where the worst fires were and I assure you it was a very scarry day with strong winds and a temperature of 45C (116F).

The worst day of my life was nine years ago falling 10 feet off a ladder and ending up a T8 complete. However last Saturday was the second worse day of my long life, and it was made worse when I found out a para friend of mine who lived in the fire zone didn't escape in time and lost his life. He lived in a small town of 520 people and only seven houses are left standing in the town.

I am not sure why I am writing this except that writing often helps one's grief.

My friend was some 20 years younger than me and we met in rehab all those years ago and shared many of the bad times and fun times together.

Oldsparkie

[KarenFerguson]

I'm so so sorry. Fires are quite scary (we know a lot about fires here in California). I'm just so so sorry for everyone in Australia and for your dear friend.

Hugs ...

[Kev-O]

Sorry for your loss Oldsparkie

[longhaul]

Oldsparkie I can relate, last year here in N. California we had a fire storm that almost destroyed my home but the firefighters got it stopped in time it burned all around us. When the fire was coming it sounded like a train and all we could do was get the hell out. Sorry about your bud.................

[wheeliebear75]

We're sorry for your loss.

And having gone through the firestorms of 2003, 2008 in California; it is scary to see fire from your front porch!
But you can always vent here.

[graphic]

Sincere sympathy for your loss. Can only imagine what the devastation and heartache must be like out there.

[ParaforGod]

so very sorry for your loss and the loss of lives in that area.

[Oldsparkie]

Hi Guys

Thanks for your messages and I know you Californians and us Aussies have a similar problem with wild fires infact we have sent fire fighters to help you at times as you have to help us. At the moment there is a group of American disasterexperts on their way out here to help http://www.theage.com.au/national/disaster...90211-84ti.html

These things happen and life just has to go on as we all know, however writing those words here yesterday helped me vent some anger and depresion and disbelief.

Thanks again for letting me vent Oldsparkie

[StillFingers]

OldSparkie,

My best to you mate. Loosing a friend to all the madness is...well unimaginable. The fires here in California are unreal, so much loss nearly every year it seems. I'm glad you folks are getting some help. Be well.

Jerry

[macad]

My thoughts are with you down there, We have the other extreme here maybe if they fold australia in half our floods can put out your fires