Pearl Sanger, 92, just wanted to head home from hospital.
As we have reported today, now she faces uncertainty after her house was burgled and then set alight.
Pearl's home of 30 years had just been tidied and cleaned by her nephew, in anticipation of her return home.
We could pontificate long and fruitlessly about why this happened. It is truly senseless. But what's the point - would it help Pearl?
Thankfully, the Tikipunga widow was insured and will be looked after in that sense.
But if you can help Pearl short term, please contact the Northern Advocate and we will be happy to co-ordinate your offers of assistance.
If past experiences are anything to go by, Northern Advocate readers are generous of heart in these situations, and I am sure Pearl would appreciate your thoughts or generosity.
As for the culprits, sadly, police often have to regularly repeat the "anyone with information" line.
But this is an occasion when it would be particularly satisfying to see the criminals responsible caught.
Call the Whangarei police station on 09 430 4500 or anonymously on 0800 Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111.
And contact me at the Northern Advocate if you have offers of assistance for Pearl, and we will pass them on to her family.
My contact details are ph 470 2852 or you can send an email to craig.cooper@northernadvocate.co.nz.
Three of the whales succumbed on the shore.