Tuesday 25 January 2011

Resilience and hope ... after the wet


Roses and sheds
It may not look like much, but this is my lasting memory of the southern downs region this past week. The water came, the water went for the second time since Christmas ... and the City of Roses shines still. I got to work with some amazing people - charitable organisations, government agencies, volunteers and Council employees all doing their best to get "normal" happening again. I also met a man who waded out to his aviary as its door vanished under the rising brown. He went under and through the submerged doorway to access the last 30 cm of space left under the aviary roof. One by one, he rescued his birds. Feathered friends were plunged and pushed through the doorway into a waiting cage held by an equally wet wife.  The baby he cupped in his hands to make a watertight capsule. The love of a quietly spoken gentleman and a gentle man.

4 comments:

AllyBeech said...

Beautiful Al.
Through hardship spirits shine.
Just wish we could see them shine without so much devestation.
Love you, your writing and your ability to help people out.
Just goes to show normalacy is a thing worth striving for.
Much Love
ally
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Wonderful story of the man and his birds

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Sending love and sunshine.

Kankles said...

Alison you do find beauty in the rare places. Must be a reflection.
Hope you are safe and well.
Cath