One Year On

I wrote this some six  months ago and just found it hadn't been publised....

This time last year we were reeling from the massive floods that tore through the heart of both the Brisbane community and its surrounding townships. At floods end the death toll was 22 including children. Whole towns were wiped away. Brisbane is still coming to terms with the tragedies that surrounded those days.

The Tuesday before the water came down was surreal. There was a hush throughout Brisbane. Our local shopping centre had shops closed as vendors raced for homes that were threatened. While the thunder rumbled overhead we pretended all was good while keeping an uneasy eye on the local creeks. We had shut our shop up as the threat from the floods was a real and present danger.

Wednesday dawned bright and clear, a gorgeous summers day where everyone continued to hold their breath and watch as the river swelled and burst its banks, flooding surrounding suburbs, taking everything in its greedy hands. When it was over we were in shock. But the communities rallied and pulled together. We hitched up our pants, put on our wellies, donned our gloves and grabbed our brooms, dug in and helped out.

Local band and international superstars Powderfinger brought out a Flood Relief single called "I'm On Your Side" to raise funds for those without insurance and nowhere to go. I mean no copyright harm but wish to share the images which broke our hearts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VmSaexxSjY

And now, we look to the skies again. Its rained solidly for three days here. Our yard is flooded, the frogs are making out in the trees. Creeks are bursting their banks and there is localised flooding everywhere. Below are images of the Schultz Canal which runs past Toombul Shopping Centre. The rain, combined with an above average King tide, meant that the lower carpark went under, as it always does.

The rain has stopped for the moment. There is more on the way. A sodden Brisbane continues to hold its breath. The Gold Coast is nervous as torrents overflow into swollen Hinterland creeks. And still we wait and watch.

My Boy....

My Boy, you have done it tough. Your mum left you and your dad, taking your sister with her. Your dad died when you were young and you were raised by your grandparents. You lost your grandad too soon and you grandmother doted on you. We loved you like our own and still do.

When granny died, you lost your way. You thought you found your life partner and had the first of your wonderful kids. Things got worse for you, you fell in with the wrong crowds, you dabbled in crime, you chose the wrong direction time and time again and still we were here for you. You split up with K after doing a stint in jail. You thought things couldn't get worse but you were wrong. Baby S was diagnosed with a heart condition and he lost his battle at ten months.

You got married, had two kids and then split up with their mum. She dumped them in foster care and you did your second stint in jail. Life couldn't get worse and yet it continues to dump on you. You are so angry with everything, you lashed out at us, we could do nothing to help. We have stayed strong, hoping you will find your way back to us. Happiness continues to ellude you.

BUT, through all the hell and the hopelessness, be assured we are here. You are my boy, you have been since I met you and you will be for ever and always. I can be disappointed in you, I can be angry at you but it doesn't mean I stop loving you. Eventually life will get better and we will be there for you. Even if it doesn't for a long time, we are still here for you.

You are my boy and I love you with all my heart,

C