Today, I had wanted to write something funny and witty, but alas, it’s just not a funny and witty day. Every October in Southern California people wait with apprehension to see if we make it through the month without wildfires as the Santa Ana winds blow through. As you probably know by now, we didn’t get through this October as much of the southern area of the state is on fire right now.
It’s painful to see people lose their homes, and their belongings. Right now what I can tell you is that a decent portion of San Diego County is being evacuated. One entire town called Ramona has been completely evacuated. Many schools are closed. We live close to downtown, so are elementary school is open but kids are not allowed outside. My oldest goes to school up north, and his school is closed. We have offered our home as a refuge because we have friends in North County who are currently being asked to leave their homes.
There are tons of horses in this county, so many people are working to rescue animals and get them to safety. People are all working together to help in anyway possible. I am currently waiting to find out if I need to leave and evacuate my parents’ horses. It looks as if the winds are shifiting, so my dad says he doesn’t feel threatened at the moment.
Every area of the country seems to have disaters to deal with, and I think if there is a positive to pull from disaster it is in seeing humans coming together as humans and helping one another. You see people forget their woes and drop everything to help each other. It’s a reminder as to what is truly important in life. It may not make it easier or bring back what people lose, but I hope if anything good can come from disater, it’s that we remember how much we are alike and that family and friends are what really count in our lives. My heart goes out to anyone going through this or anyone who has gone through disater of any sort. If anyone has a story to share of soemthing good that has come from something traumatic (be it disater, loss of some sort–anything) I’d love to read it.
Michele
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Michele, the news is just heartbreaking. I cannot imagine going through that year after year. Many prayers headed that way.
by Heather
on October 22nd, 2007 at 6:40 pm
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Same here, Michele. I’m sending thoughts of safety your way. Take care and stay safe.
by Maggie
on October 22nd, 2007 at 10:42 pm
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I’ll let Emily Dickinson express how I am sending you prayer, love, and hope.
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune–without the words,
And never stops at all
by JB
on October 25th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
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Hi Michele,
How are you and your family doing? I hope your dad/mom, horses, and any other animals got evacuated okay if they needed to evacuate. The fires have not come near us this time around so we have not needed to evacuate. It is so sad to hear of those who lost thier lives, are injured, and then of course the huge property losses in the county. But it is heartwarming to know that so many volunteers have come out to help those in need. The huge donations and large number of volunteers showing up at the shelters is truly awesome.
by Linda
on October 26th, 2007 at 10:25 am
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My parents did have to evacuate at four in the morning on Monday–lucky for my mom she was out of town, and I got the horses and dogs out. They live in Jamul, which is still an evacuated area and we have no word yet on the house. We are praying that they can get home tomorrow, if they have a home to go to.
It’s been a tough time for everyone in the county, but there have been many inspirational moments as we have watched the community, friends and families come together as a whole.
Thanks to all for their thoughts and prayers.
Michele
by Michele
on October 26th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
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Michele,
I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers and hope that their Jamul home is fine. If it isn’t, feel free to contact me. My brother and his family went through it all 4 years ago. They will be able to give them advice from having been there, and knowing what the process is, and what they wished they had known at the time. But, lets pray that your family won’t need it!
by Linda
on October 26th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
