As we sat eating dinner, the news broadcast was on in the background, we like to keep updated with what’s happening here in Australia with many fires still burning.
The announcer was saying that three courageous men had been killed in an aircraft accident, the men fighting our fires. Hubby & I stopped eating & starred at the screen.
Our hearts sank…again, as they had when each of our brave Rural Volunteer Fire fighters had lost their lives in this season.
The photos of the flight crew were being displayed on the screen, then their families photos were shown. The sadness was overwhelming for the loss of these brave men, for the pain that their wives & their young children will now experience.
As the journalist gave us the recent history of their air firefighting activity here in Australia, one area caught my attention. They had fought the fire that had threatened my parents lives & home! Shared in Release & Rest & Dancing in the rain!
They had been instrumental in protecting my parents from the raging fiery beast! I can’t tell you how much this touched my heart at that moment.
As a family we have been through the sudden & horrific loss of a loved one in their line of duty & are still going through the legacy of all that entails for those of us left behind. It’s absolutely devastating & a long journey of healing through faith!
So I would humbly like to honor these men & their families who have given the greatest sacrifice of all to protect their fellow man.
I am truly grateful for their bravery, courage & tireless work in our country to fight the ravaging fires of this season.
These men are from America, contracting to Air Firefighting…
- Captain Ian McBeth of Great Falls, Montana
- First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson of Buckeye, Arizona
- Flight Engineer Rick DeMorgan Jr of Navarre, Florida
Our Australian Rural Volunteer Firefighters…whom also gave their lives…
- Geoffrey Keaton
- Andrew O’Dwyer
- Samuel McPaul
All from NSW…
We honor you & thank you!
And will continue to uphold your loved ones in prayer for the long journey of healing ahead. Please join me in supporting these families through prayer.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2020 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photo on Pexels.com
Featured at Gathering of Friends Link Party 12
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Praying for peace, comfort, healing, and restoration that only God can give. Thanks for sharing. Many blessings to you!
Thank you for joining me in prayer for these families Boma…
What a lovely tribute! It is so sad that the firefighters lives were lost.
Thank you Sheryl! Yes, very sad indeed…
What a wonderful, heartfelt tribute, Jennifer. These brave, selfless men deserve our praise and gratitude. The men who rescued your parents’ home should be recognized. Thank you for telling this story!
Thank you Laurie!
Heartfelt gratitude and healing prayers continue for all… ❤
Thank you Bette! ♥
Well said, Jennifer. We saw this here in America about those who came from here to help, but the personal connection to you is striking and even more poignant. Laying down your life for those you love is amazing. Laying down your life for strangers is beyond words. Jesus understood that one for sure.
Thank you Pam.
Yes, I was deeply saddened when I realized the connection to these brave men…Jesus does know Pam & I’m confident that He is comforting their loved ones at this time…
I so appreciate your taking the time to recognize these men. How amazing that they were the ones who fought for your parents’ home.
Thank you Elizabeth!
Yes, I was truly gobsmacked & deeply saddened when I heard this…
Upholding their loved ones in prayer…
Jennifer, I was touched by this story and the sacrifice – truly, there is no greater love than to lay down your life for another. Remembering is vital – to mark the moment, to keep perspective, to revisit grace given. Blessings today to you and yours!
I agree Sandra! Thank you!
What a beautiful tribute Jennifer. Those who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of others are incredible people who deserve to be honored. Thank you for doing so. Praying for all the families who have suffered losses and all of Australia. Blessings to you sweet friend.
Thank you Terri ♥
What a beautiful tribute to those who have given their lives. I am deeply saddened for the loved ones left behind. Sending hugs and prayers ❤️
Thank you Pam ♥
This is a beautiful tribute ❤
Smoke Jumpers are like soldiers. They love to protect the ones they love.
Thank you Llyod…it’s a solemn time. Such brave men!
Australian’s have been deeply saddened by this accident.
God keeps track of everything and everybody. With Christ there’s no loss. Just temporary separation. ❤
Dad will gather his family together again one day soon.
That He will Llyod! 😀