unreal.

As I type, mud and rocks are rushing down our street. There is a massive slip at Norma's. Her garage is full of mud and the water is just gushing down. It's unreal. And the bulk of it is going down into our neighbor's house.

It's nearly midnight and there are about 15 neighbours out there working hard; helping the 6 firemen. Trying to shovel the muck into wheelbarrows and build a barrier to guide the slip down the road instead of into our neighbour's house. It's coming down faster than it can possibly be shoveled though.

The sound of shovels scraping against pavement fills the night air. The stream in our neighbourhood sounds like Huka Falls. Unreal.

Jeremy is out there getting dirty using our only shovel. I tried to help but wasn't much use so came back inside.

I wish it was appropriate to go out and take photos. It is such a sight. The teamwork is inspiring. Teenagers through to pensioners. Everyone in gum boots, except my husband who seems to be the only Kiwi without them. Many with their Dry-As-A-Bone's on.

Also there is another slip at Sunshine Bay, the bay just past ours, making the only road to Days Bay and Eastbourne impassible. I was driving home at about 1030 tonight (I never ever go out, mind you!) and there were police at the bottom of my street forcing people to turn around to find accomodation for the night. I was able to turn up my road at least. I had to turn around once I get close to my house though.

Stefanie, I finally had a reason to go up Richmond. To park. Away from the mud.

Note to self: Crocs are not good for trudging through mudslides.

A further indication that the weather is insane... It took the ferry over 9.5 hours to cross Cook Strait. This is normally a 3-hour journey! There were 9-meter swells. The airport has been closed all day. Not a good day to be in Wellington.

ETA: The weather has cleared this morning thankfully. The slips were most likely caused by the logging from several months back. This morning Jeremy said to me, "I thought I'd come in and you'd have clean pants and a hot drink waiting for me. Instead you were there with your camera." To my credit after I took a few pics, I quickly got him dry clothes and a hot drink!

pride

I think this photo might be in the dictionary next to the word "proud".

This photo was taken in 1997 on Max's first Christmas, but Eddye is the one who looks as excited as a little boy on Christmas morning!

update: Eddye underwent emergency surgery last night on his sinuses to clear up an absess and infection. He continues to surprise everyone as he pulled through the surgery well. However, he remains in a coma, in critical condition, and on full dialysis (a result of the treatment for the fungal infection in his stomach).

waiting for good news

I love this photo. It is of my nephew, Norwin, showing his parents and one of his brothers some of the loot he scored at the annual pirate treasure hunt that my family has at my parent's lakehouse. Notice the scars on his face, the temporary tattoos on his arm, and the lollipop in his mouth. I love it!

I have six nephews and now one niece who have their birthdays at the end of summer (August/September), so it's fitting to combine the treasure hunt with a joint birthday celebration. All the kids get so decked out in costume. And one of my brothers-in-law and his three grown daughters make up this elaborate pirate story and a cool treasure hunt. One of them dresses as the pirate and seriously goes all out.

Last year I was lucky enough to be in town for it. It's always such a fun day.

Unfortunately no significant updates on Eddye. He remains in a coma and continues to fight the bacterial infections as well as a very rare fungal infection in his stomach. We need some good news this week.

precious

( a precious moment in time )

if only we could turn back the clock

It's been just over two weeks and my brother-in-law remains in a coma and is battling many infections. His condition is still critical. This is just so devastating for my sister and her children.

The support from family, friends, and her community has been amazing.

when 6,000 miles feels like 6 million

i have never wanted to be someplace else more than right now.

how quickly life can change

A week ago my family experienced a terrible tragedy. My sister's husband fell off the roof of his house, suffered a serious brain injury as well as many broken bones, and is in a coma.

He and my sister have a six-week-old baby girl. They also have 11-, 9-, and 2-year-old boys. Six years ago they already learned all of life's hard lessons... that life isn't fair, that life often doesn't make sense, that terrible things happen to good people, that one thing can change life forever, that we aren't always in control, and that, no, even though people love to say it, things aren't always "meant to be" & "for the best". They already knew all that stuff. Too well.

He is one of the most proud and involved fathers I know. He is also very strong, mentally and physically. And he is lean, muscular, fit, fearless, and seriously fiesty. He doesn't give up. I know that's going to count for so much in the recovery process.

I guess I am asking you to keep my sister and her family in your thoughts and prayers and also that you make a conscious decision to treasure your loved ones every day.

ETA: We really appreciate all your comments and prayers.