A Glass Full of Water

Last Thursday morning a landslide from Mauao hit the Mount Maunganui Holiday Park and Mount Hot Pools. Teams of responders worked around the clock in dangerous conditions to reach trapped people.  The local community including iwi rallied around the rescuers and affected families. Generous offers of accommodation, free food, drinks and prayers were given and accepted. Locals, Rachel and Brooke arrived in Pilot Bay with armloads of muffins for the rescuers. They acknowledged that they were unable to do work on the ground, “But what we can do is bake and offer our support with kai (food). We want to show how much we appreciate them and our gratitude for everyone.”  The team leader of the Rapid Response unit Doug said that trained volunteers have been working in shifts making meals for rescuers. He also said that the searchers had shown huge dedication in trying to find the lost people. “They don’t give up.”  Rachel, a director of Little Big Markets cancelled their markets, ...

I’ve recently been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. (A common heart rhythm disorder). I’m asymptomatic so I don’t feel any different. With a change of medication I was fatigued for a while, but I can still exercise with swimming and walking.  I have limited my caffeine intake but still enjoy a once a day coffee. Last week, at Surf Co cafe in Raglan I saw Ataera start to put out the chairs and tables, while his partner Pania got ready to open the servery. Occasionally I’ve helped out with the furniture setting up, so I started to walk over to help Ataera. He looked at me and in a reassuring, respectful voice said, “No Steve. I know what you’ve got.” (Referring to my heart issues). The tone of his voice struck me - assertive, but not demanding, firm but kind. He just wanted to look after me in his own way. It was my turn to show some grace and accept his kindness, so I sat down and smiled. Ataera looked at me again and said, “All good.”  And it was.