Last Sunday marked the first anniversary of the devastating Black Saturday bushfires we had here in Victoria. The fires brought back many memories for me - both good and bad - of another time. When I was a teenager my whole family moved to the nearby Dandenong Ranges and joined our local fire brigade. I fought many fires with the CFA but the one I remember most was the Ash Wednesday fires - the most devastating Victorian fires until Black Saturday.
My father had not long passed away - my sister was expecting her first child and we were all struggling emotionally - then came the fires!! My mum drove the fire trucks - we never did get her a truckie tattoo!!! We were all at the fire station - or out on the trucks - and we had no idea if our house was still standing! All the memories and photos of my dad were there - the rest was unimportant as long as we were together!
When I saw this image from Sunshine's Stamps I knew I wanted - no needed - to make a Thank-You card for all of our wonderful volunteer fire fighters. I've been in your boots and know you deserve it. Every time you head to the station for training - or drag yourself out of bed when the alarm sounds - you deserve our thanks.My family all live in fire prone areas and knowing the CFA are out there is a comfort!
I'm sorry this isn't more upbeat - but I needed to say it, one year on and there is still sooo much emotion. Thanx to Sunshine's Stamps for helping out with this adorable guy!
BTW - I've used the Friday Sketcher's sketch for this card - it's a wonderful sketch by Tanja and I'm sure I'll use it again!
xXx
22 comments:
Once again....gorgeous card! I just love how you pull everything together. Beautiful!
Wow that was a awesome story, my heart goes out to you an every one that goes through this sort of thing! Gorgeous card as always Debbie.
hugs always
Sue xxx
Well said! What a moving post Debbie.
Your card is beautiful too. Such a cute image.
TFS,
Sam.
Hi Debs,
Wonderfully expressed and a beautiful card. BTW Adam was a baby at the time :)and I remember leaving with practically nothing, not even sufficient nappies, which is why last year I had a bag of nappies in my boot (just in case) LOL
Luvya XXXOOO
love this one debbie.. great colour combo.. Bec xx
Wow, that is an amazing story.I can't imagine what it must be like to be out there fighting the fires, very frightening I imagine. Love your card, he is a really cute little image :)
Phew Debbie, speechless! (Well nearly) these tragedies are devasting but more real when you have lived and helped through them, well done to your mum driving the fire truck and you all for volunteering and helping, must have been frightening at times and difficult so soon after losing your dad. Some things never change Debbie, you are still that lovely caring person today! Beautiful card, hope you still know a fireman to send it to! Take CareX:)
Memories!! I still remember my Mum saying "only take 1 valuable item each". What the? Only 1! I took my 'big ted'. (I still have him in my cupboard ).I can still envision our pet gallah 'Cheeky' sitting in his cage on the back of our trailor ready to go!
My heart and thoughts go out to all who have ever been in a bushfire situation.
Fabulous thankyou card Debbie and very thoughtful.
Kylie ox
This is such a gorgeous card Debbie and such a wonderful meaning behind it.
Kristy x
what a SUPER card! LOve the coloring and the LO!!!
what a fabulous card. your coloring is just awesome.
Wow Debbie...definitely fits into the the "you learn something new every day" category. What an amazing story. I cannot even begin to conceive the things that go thru your head inthat situation. The card is bang on PERFECT for the occasion. Before I even read the post I knew it was a 'fire-y's card. My brother and sister are bothe in the SES and my brother was involved in fighting the Massive Syd fires some years back. All of these people deserve our thanks and eternal gratitude for what they do. ooxx
Beautifully said, it has been a difficult time for some many affected by the bushfires, and those volunteer fire fighters deserve a very special thanks. The card is so adorable, the colours are perfect.
xox
What a super cute card! I love the colours and the image is sooo cute!
Thanks for playing with my sketch and joining the Friday Sketchers!
Big Hugs Tanja
Ahhh..this is so sweet. Thanks for joining us a friday sketchers.
Carole
Love this card and your colouring is as always just brilliant!!! A moving story,really gets you thinking about all the emergency services and forces that do so much for us all!!
xx
Beautiful card!
Love this cute image and papers and design are fantastic.
Hugs,
Marina
Great tribute card to all the volunteer Fire Fighters... And the 1st Anniversary! I bet it does bring back memories!! Your card is sure to put a SMILE on and I'm LOVING the "SUPER CUTE" image!!
This was the perfect image for you to be able to tell your story and what a nice job you did with both!
Hugs
Sue
Debbie, I have been thinking of you, knowing this time must be very hard time for you.
Your card is an amazing tribute to all the amazing people putting their lives at risk.
Huge hugs coming your way
Jodie from Oz
Debbie ... you are a woman of MANY talents! I can feel the sentiment and emotion that went into making this fabulous card. How do you know where to send it??? You are constantly an inspiration ... and this is such a thoughtful thing to do! Lotsa hugs, Andrea xxx
Well, one good thing about the fires was that it brought us together as friends. For that I'll always be grateful, but it doesn't stop me from feeling the weight of that horror.
Hugs and love,
Lisa
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