...could I imagine the devastation and misery inflicted by the 'rain bomb' that struck South East Queensland in recent days. When material stuff we hold dear is torn away, we get an idea of who we really are. Precious stuff going back generations. Things recently bought or made to set up home and family photos are part of us. So it's no small wonder that raw grief bites hard when these things are gone.

A big strapping man with quavering quiet voice said, "You just go and give them a hand." Many people said, "These people arrived with a shovel and broom and said "How can we help?" The one hearing that will never forget it. Neither will those with chronic pain and illness. Even if the one offering help can't do much, the fact they offered means more than they will ever know. That's the mystery of this unexpected gift. It reduces the power of alone-ness. There are heaps of ways to help someone who is 'down' to realise they really do matter. A good beginning might be to make the call to say, "I was thinking of you so I thought I'd call to see how you are going today." It's not too hard, is it.