[Koala77]

Dear friends......

I'm sorry that I've not been posting much lately, but I wanted you to know that I'm not ignoring you, and that I'm doing OK.

The fire situation in Australia has left me dumbfounded. DH and I have never cried so much as we have done in these past 8 days. The loss of life has been devastating. The human death toll is nearing 200, and as they check the burnt out homes, that toll is rising. Estimates on animal deaths is around a million at the present, and the combination of these two tolls just breaks my heart. Most people I talk to here in Oz break into tears as soon as the topic of the fires comes up. We're all just so upset.

With this in mind I hope you understand when I say that although I've read almost every post here, I've just not felt like posting.

I do owe you an update though. Hubby's doing well after his knee replacement operation. He's still in quite a bit of pain, but I think that's mostly due to the fact that he tries so hard. He exercises for hours while he's awake and then he suffers for it afterwards. He goes back to the Ortho surgeon in a few weeks, and I'm sure the doc will be pleased with the way things are going, knee wise.

He had both done at the same time, so we expected some problems afterwards, but he lost over half his total blood supply after the operation, and he's still having regular blood checks. His blood count has gone from 60 to 81 to 108. It's still slowly increasing but remains a long way from the desired 140-150 for males. He did have 3 bags of blood transfused, but in hindsight, I wish I had pushed them for a further 3 units. It might have helped in his recovery.

Some of you also know that DH had a stroke during his surgery. The operation was at the end on November, and I'm pleased to tell you that although he lost most of his vision because of the stroke, that vision is starting to return. I was so afraid that it wouldn't. He was already blind in one eye, so to lose all his vision from his only good eye..... it was rather an upset. He sees an Eye Specialist now, also an Eye Physiotherapist, and I thank the Lord for their expertise.

I too have had a few health issues, but I'm doing OK. At the moment the only one worrying me is some skin lesions. I'm sure they'll be fine, but I have have to have a couple removed and I have 2 more that need biopsying but I'm sure all will be well.

Good news though...... my DD, my only DD, is planning to come visit for Easter. At this stage she's looking at staying a week, and I am so excited. I only get to see her once a year because of the expense involved for either of us to fly interstate to see each other.

So.... leaving this post on happy news........

[Twinkletoes]

Thanks for checking in, Koala.

We here in the USA know what it's like to suffer from a terroristic act. I believe that's what the arsonist amounts to is a terrorist. So bold to set fires, but too chicken to show up in court!

Glad your DH's vision is returning! Great news! Tell him to take it easy on that exercise (I'm sure you do!).

Wonderful news that your DD is coming for Easter!!! You'll post pictures, right? Take care, Anne.

[Koala77]

Thank you Twink. They have one arsonist in protective custody! There's been such an outcry that police fear for his safety.

What worries me is they released his name. I don't think that was fair as for now he's only a suspect, and his family are being bombarded by threats and the media. It's not their fault their son did this, if indeed he did. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, or so they say. The family are not to blame.

So many people end up suffering from the actions of just one person.

[SallyC]

I am so happy and relieved to hear from you, Anne.. I have been thinking about you first with the horrible heat there and now the awful fires and deaths. I am so so sorry....My prayers are with you all.

I'm happy to hear DH is healing nicely, but I'm a bit worried about more skin problems for you. I hope they all test benign so you can quit worrying about that.

I missed you...Be Well.

[Koala77]

Thanks Sal, and thank you everyone else who reads this, and is thinking of me.

The problems that I and my hubby have are minisuule to the ones that others are suffering at the moment.

I thank you for your support. You have no idea how much it means to me right now.

[dmplaura]

Thanks for the update Koala. That's simply heartbreaking

[Riverwild]

Oh Anne, I have been watching this all unfold and thinking about you every time it comes up in the news. The pictures and interviews are just heartwrenching.

It's great to hear Alan's vision is improving, along with his walking!

Please take care of YOU, Anne. You've had more than enough on your plate this past year and it's time for some GOOD stuff to happen, starting with your DD coming to visit!

[azoyizes]

Anne, you have been in our thoughts. I can't begin to imagine the devastation caused by the fires.

I also don't think it's right to release a suspect's name to the public. But with the Internet and 24-hour news, everything gets right out there in front of you almost as soon as it happens.

I'm glad your dear husband is recuperating, and thrilled that your daughter is coming for a visit.

[DM]

Dear sweet Anne~ I watch the news at all the devastation going on w/the fires and it just is so heartbreaking for us here, as well. That senseless act of hate is just so heartwrenching. Keeping your beloved Australia and Australians in my prayers.

We are also keeping up on Sam the Koala's progress. The video of the firefighter giving her a drink from his water bottle brought me to tears, esp seeing her poor little scorched paws.

I am glad Russell is doing better, as it has been a long road for him. And, I am sorry you are having to go through the skin bx's again, but keeping positive that all will be ok w/that. You are in my prayers and I hope that things start to improve for you. Your leeetle shoulders have carried way too heavy of a load this past year and a half.

Sending lots of to you, my Aussie bud!.

[ali12]

Hi Koala,

Thank you so much for the update - I for one really appreciate it! I had been wondering how you were getting on and was really worried about you after reading the news of the fires in Australia - they are awful and I can't tell you how bad I feel for the families that have lost their friends and family, homes and pets in this horrible disaster - my heart truly breaks for them! I have been following the story on the news and one of my close friends is due to emmegrate to Australia soon but I really think her family is re-considering now! I really hope they get everythings sorted soon and that they get to the bottom of what or who caused the fires to start in the first place!

Please don't worry about not being on the forum that much lately - we all understand and we are all here for you whenever you need a shoulder to lean on, as you are for us! I can't imagine what you're going through and how upsetting it must be for you and your family at the moment - please know that I am here for you whenever you need to talk!

I am SO glad to hear that your DH is doing well after his knee replacement and that his vision is now coming back ... that's great! Please send him my love and tell him I hope he feels even more better real soon!!!

Thinking about you all and thanks again for checking in and updating us all at this sad time!