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.