Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Those in need


I've been gone for days and was going to post some pretty beach pictures and haiku or musings, but I've chosen just one sunset. I hope the defused, bronzed light and enameled surface of the sand will soothe me. And you, if you please.
*
My thoughts are with the people of Christchurch, New Zealand, who've suffered another massive earthquake, but this time with numerous casualties.
For those who know my blogging/writing buddy, Wen Baragrey, she and her family survived but not without terrifying moments. Recently, she had a give-away contest to celebrate the homecoming of her grandson, Jayden, who has spent most of the first few months of life in hospital. He was there again when the quake struck and the hospital was evacuated. You can read Wen's post here and the NZHerald here. Please send her and all the people of New Zealand your prayers or healing thoughts. Thank you.
P.S. One more link. Walk Through Sorrow is so heartbreakingly eloquent.

25 comments:

Wen Baragrey said...

Thank you, Tricia. It's been a heck of a day, but it's so amazing to see the support everyone is getting all over the world. It's incredible. It's 5am and we're all still awake, getting a couple of aftershocks every hour. Jayden has settled in at home very well and is fast asleep.

Your support means a whole lot. It's been such a terrifying day, and I fear the news tomorrow with revised casualty count is going to make it even worse.

Bish Denham said...

I'm headed her way with prayers and healing thoughts.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Thanks Tricia for the post, and thanks, Wen for the update above. My prayers are with you.

VR Barkowski said...

Beautiful photograph, Tricia. My thoughts and prayers are with Wen, her family, and the other residents of Christchurch.

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

Thoughts and prayers with Wen, her family and New Zealand. My family lived through a 7.2 earthquake in Welkom (a mining town in the Free State) but luckily only one death (which was a miracle as it happened in the middle of the underground day shift). It's an awfully scary feeling. Hope Wen's grandson is soon well.

Judy (South Africa)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Wen: I wish I could do more. I hope you can all get some sleep soon.

Bish, Shannon, Viva and Judy: Thank you for the comments and for sending those healing thoughts.

kah said...

Such a scary thing. My prayers and thoughts go out to Wen and everyone affected in NZ.

Janet Johnson said...

Wow, how scary! We're thinking of you Wen and sending all our love and prayers.

Catherine Denton said...

It did sooth me. And I will be thinking of Wen and all the other New Zealanders. Thanks for the blog links.

Golden Eagle said...

That's a beautiful picture!

My thoughts are with Wen, her family, and the all others affected. Thank you for the links!

Anonymous said...

That's heartbreaking, the casualties from the quake. We can sure relate to their fears. I'm glad Wen and her family are fine. Sending prayers to NZ for all who are suffering.

LynNerd

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Karen, Janet, Catherine,Eagle, Lynn: Thank you all so much for taking the time to comment and send your well wishes.

Anonymous said...

Wen's post about her family's ordeal sure choked me up, especially looking at the pictures of how devastated the area is. She also mentions in one of her comments about how important it is to be prepared for a disaster. For those of us in earthquake zones, if you don't stock up on anything but water, you'll be ahead of many others if the big one hits in our lifetime. There will be no water for many months if the mains are broken. I remember hearing that after the Northridge earthquake, scheisters were selling water for $5.00 a gallon or more. And spending a few extra bucks to buy emergency food each time you go shopping is something you'll never regret. I wonder why we don't like to think these things will happen to us. Maybe it's too painful to think about? Maybe we think there will always be someone to come along and help us? Read Win's blog postings. She says it straight up. When that first quake hit a couple months ago, most people weren't prepared. They were on their own, thirsty and hungry, no working sewers. So most of them were prepared this time around, thank God. But a little precaution can go a long way. I guess we just have to hope and pray for the best, but prepare for the worst.
LynNerd (Lynn Kelley)

Jules said...

I am so glad to see someone other than I am compassionate about other humans. Do not know Wen but will be passing by to offer my support and prayers. Healing thoughts for all of NZ
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Jemi Fraser said...

That poor area of the world has been hit with so much trouble lately. I don't know Wen, but I wish her and her family all the safety in the world.

Anonymous said...

I went on the link for the NZHerald. For some reason the video clips don't work, but maybe I'm better off not seeing them. The still pictures alone are pretty disturbing. Sad, sad, sad. LynNerd (Lynn)

VICTORIA SAAVEDRA said...

Beautiful picture and post. My prayers go out to Wen, her family, and to all of the people in New Zealand.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Jules, Jemi, Victoria: Much gratitude for your comments and good thoughts for New Zealand.

Lynn: Yes, you're so right that being prepared is of major importance.

storyqueen said...

Tricia, thanks for the post on this. I read Wen's account of everything...wow.

There are moments when we need to stop, just stop and send what ever thoughts, prayers, good energy, ANYTHING to those in need.

I am humbled by their strength.

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

That's a great picture!

And my thoughts are with your NZ friends...

Paul Greci said...

Beautiful sunset!
Sending positive thoughts to your friends in New Zealand.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Thank you so much, Shelley, Susan and Paul.

Lisa Gail Green said...

the stark contrast between the beautiful picture and the devastation of the earthquake are a great example of the ups and downs in the world. My heart goes out to those touched by the quake.

Angela Ackerman said...

My thoughts go out to everyone who suffered during that quake. Such a scary thing to happen, and makes us all realize how precious each moment is, and how fleeting.

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Lisa and Angela: Yes, the world is a precarious place. We need to live fully every minute. Thanks for stopping by.