Maree’s musings

LEAVING and TAKING …

I’m sure all you readers will be relieved, as I am, that the recent devastating fires in Nelson and elsewhere are over. You can’t help but feel for those people getting the word to evacuate, and as soon as possible. Leaving your home in a hurry is bad enough, but deciding what to take just adds to the stress. Does anybody plan ahead of time like they’re supposed to? And even if one has; it’s not that simple: we all get so used to having our stuff on hand and being comfortable with knowing it’s all safe.

It got me thinking about what other folk, and I of course, really value. Being clear-headed and rational when you’re in a state of panic is nigh to impossible; so it probably pays to Think Ahead. And when it comes to the crunch; is it a question of value, irreplaceability, necessity or what? How do you sort the priorities? I honestly don’t know what I would take or leave. My cats, naturally. My probably too large frog sculpture collection, although packing them up would preclude that! I’m partial to pot plants. The poetry I haven’t finished writing would have to be up there as it’s still on scraps of paper in a folder somewhere. Slack!

There were some delightful stories gleaned from all the sadness and tragedy which we won’t forget for a while. Did you hear about the guy who left with just ‘his car and his boat’? When interviewed, he explained it this way: “Boys’ toys … bugger the toothbrush!” Someone else confessed to leaving with a painting of Richie McCaw but no mention of anything else. High on priority lists were of course pets, photos, the kids, and stuff you love. Your young child’s tatty teddybear, perhaps. The jewellery or the chooks? One person was embarrassed to report they’d only packed ‘one pair of knickers’ (wearing them, presumably) while another confessed her Doc Martens were top of the list.

Our hearts went out to the firemen especially: imagine wearing all the same heavy gear day and night for five days or more? One of them confessed to hankering for a toothbrush, which was rapidly supplied, and with toothpaste! And almost immediately, there was a huge supply donated. Deodorant was a popular request; not something you’d think of at the time. Later on someone did a survey of items sold at a recently re-opened supermarket. Beer and wine followed by milk and bread! Needs must in times of trial, we learn. 

Readers may take a dim view, but in my opinion, seeing the funny side does help; it’s just one of the ways us Kiwis get through. And included with all the sad stories, there’s accounts of joy and wonderful generosity. Ingenuity too. People welcoming strangers into their homes, doing endless baking, impromptu concerts and even setting up a zoo for distressed animals – the list goes on. There’s certainly enough to restore your faith in humanity.   

  And when you think about it; that’s where our priorities should lie, Whatever you choose, which may not be the best at the time; pack a goodly dose of empathy. It’ll go a long way.