It would seem that February spells disaster for QLD. One year to the day after cyclone Yasi decimated Cardwell and Tully in North QLD and battered the tropics, the South East corner had it's turn with crippling floods reaching record levels.
My Dad was one in the town of Mitchell to be affected. The whole town was affected in some way large or small. The RSL Club evacuation centre was evacuated to the council depot as the water exceeded the expected peak. Dad got out of his house with his little dog Millie, a few changes of clothing and his mobile phone.........that's it. It would appear at this early stage his home was inundated to ceiling level, but we are quietly praying for much lower.
I think of all Mum and Dad's special things, photographs, family history research and memorabilia of Mum and Dad's life together and I am sad. Not as sad I thought I would be as I realise that the most important things are not in fact things. I am so grateful Dad and his little mate are safe and sound, although a little uncomfortable in a crowded area. I will mourn the loss of the 100+ year old family bible, but we can start another one. Photos and slides of my childhood will be ruined and special things of mine I still had stored at Mum and Dad's place. The more I seem to think about them, the less important they seem. Perhaps I have finally grown up, or perhaps I have moved so much I am becoming less sentimental, I have realised material things are just that......things. I can't replace my father or his little mate Millie and together they will be fine and deal with whatever happens.
The floodwaters are receding a little now and it is Charleville, Roma, St George and Moree's turn to face the challenges of the biggest floods on record.
Spare a thought for the people doing it tough and please support where you can with whatever you can. Every little bit counts......
Stay beautiful,
K xxx
