Our story is only one of many…

We really can’t name all the people whom have helped us but please know that you will be always remembered in our thoughts, you were there in a time of our life where we lost everything but gained so much more through you touching our life in some way.

We would have preferred remain private, but have felt compelled to tell our story, as we we have been so touched by the kindness of so many of you.

February 7th 2009 (Black Saturday)

Our story

Chris and l were sitting on our veranda having a cup of tea waiting for the long awaited cool change to come. In a matter of moments our life changed forever.

We had been listening to the radio and checking the CFA web site all day, by these accounts we weren’t in any danger. The sun was red the smoke was filling up our valley, it was very confusing, all the radio and web sites didn’t mention the fire was anywhere near.

I grabbed my daughter Indigos favourite teddy bear a bottle of water and some biscuits. As we were buckling her into her car seat, we could hear the roar of the fire close by. There really are no words to describe what we were feeling.

Indigo by this time was crying and very unsettled and I tried to keep her calm by singing her favourite Nursery Rhymes. We arrived to safety in Yea. To our surprise it was like Noah’s Ark had arrived. There were people everywhere along with their treasured pets dogs, cats, horses etc.

After many days of heartache like both of us have never ever felt, we were able to see if we still had a home. It was a long drive home. We walked up our driveway with little Indigo, it was overwhelming nothing left… no house, no sheds, garden, studio; nothing… it was just like a bomb had come through. There was nothing to see and nothing to recover; we only stayed moments.

ALL OUR THANKS
We would like to thank all our beautiful friends who made the drive to come and support us. Our thank you’s are endless and we really don’t know how to thank you all.

The kindness from people who didn’t even know us donated things to us and helped us get back on our feet, when we really didn’t know where to start.

Pete from Lindenwood: Thank you for putting another order together for me so quickly after losing my whole shipment in the fire. Your understanding and your kind donation of blocks to my community was very touching.

To Wells, Merilyn and Jasper. (Owners of Jasper Coffee/Jasper
Junior): Where do we start… You have allowed us to replace our kitchen, with the finest things; we can’t wait to unpack them. Thank you for sending a box full of clothing and toys for Indigo in the early days and your endless support and love.

To Tony Birch (The famous Author) and Sarah: Who not only came up to help Chris sift our property, but gave something very special … Books … Books are as important to Chris as the air we breath. You thoughtfully replaced his wardrobe entirely in the Tony Birch Collection, who would ever think Chris would have a better wardrobe than me!!

To Timmy (Consciously Green) and Michael: For helping Chris with clearing our property, which was as hard for you as for us. It was a dirty, hot hard job. Thank you.

To Joanne (My best friend): You replaced something so dear to our hearts… our photos, the only photos we have left of our home. We can’t thank you enough for your ongoing support.

To Sally and Pauline (Oskar Clobber): You kindly replaced indigo’s wardrobe with your wonderful fun designs.

To Ally Street (Blue Racoon): For sending Indigo your favourite book and turning Indigo into a fairy with your creations.

To Paul, Joelle and Caine: Perfect strangers, who opened your house and heart to us in Yea, and truly were there at the worst time of our lives. Thank you…

To you the Australian people: we feel so lucky to live in country where you cared so much about us.

To my dear Mum: who has been an endless support, at times when it all seemed too hard.

My sisters and extended family: Thank you isn’t enough.

Lastly:

To my dear partner Chris and our daughter Indigo. There is no one words to describe the love and joy you both give to me. Life does have to go on… We should be in our new home by Christmas 2009 and look forward to the arrival of our second child.

All our Thanks
Chris, Bronwyn and Indigo