Monday, May 11, 2009

Less Than A Half Mile


Seeing this from my house is what made us leave
.4 miles, that’s how close it came to burning our house.

We were able to return, with a bit of guilt, to our ash covered home on Saturday. Even though we were at a friend’s luxurious Club Med type of place during our homeless state, it was nice to go back. I thankfully unpacked my bags. No longer homeless. I carefully put back my irreplaceable belongings. Hung the pictures and paintings back on the wall, thinking to myself, we’re home.

Our closest friends, however not so lucky. They lost all their belongings except what they could put in one car. I can’t imagine. My friend left on Tuesday to pick up her girls from school, went to go home and the road was closed. Left her house for a regular errand and wasn’t able to go back. Her husband was able to go in the house and grab a few things. One carload and that was it. Their immediate need is to find a place to call home, for now.

I went shopping for the girls on Saturday. Color books, crayons, dress up clothes, hair bows, lip gloss, princess purses, bathing suits, and dresses. Fun things. Not the stuff they really need, but hopefully something to let them know it’s okay and that they will have normal again.

I’m ready for normal. With the death of The Uncle, the fire and the news of our friends home. I’ve been a mess. I just sit and cry sometimes. I’m emotional. I liked when I didn’t have anything to write on this blog. The days when the cursor would just sit and blink. Blink. Blink.

There is a lot more to share about this experience. How it has seemingly deeply affected me. I feel like a different person right now. I feel a little lost, but for now, thank you all for your heart-felt wishes. We are fine.

19 comments:

Tina said...

I was so glad to hear when the weather turned better and it was getting under control. Sorry to hear about your friends house and happy to know that you are safe!

Hotch Potchery said...

I am new to your blog via Shelley. I am so sorry about what you went through. I could really feel how scared you were...

Hanlie said...

I totally get that you're traumatized over everything that's happened in the last few weeks. It will get better again... Thinking of you!

Christina said...

I was so scared for you all weekend! I kept seeing it flash across the news and all I could wonder is if your place was still okay.

What horrible devastation you have all gone through. So very scary to us watching it. I can't begin to think what you were feeling.

Luckily your fmaily is safe and that's the most important thing. Keep your head up!

M said...

Im so sorry for what youre going through! You HAVE been through a lot lately, and I can only imagine that wonderful things are on the way for you!

And I dont care how old you think you are, I wanna know what youre listening to! :)

Aleta said...

*HUGS* I'm glad you're home and safe and OMG, that picture, it shows it...

And *HUGS* I DO understand the guilt and the emotions. When we returned after Katrina, so much destruction. We all had home damage, but some of our relatives lost everything, every speck of memories you could imagine. It's hard, it really is... I understand and I'm so very sorry that you and your community are going through this.

Sending out prayers***

Wendy said...

gosh, that is just awful. i am so sorry that this happened.you hear it on the news but never really know who it affects and how much. i am really sorry for what you are going through....that is pretty serious stuff....losing your home and all belongings....i am glad you got to return home...i am sorry for your friends.

Shelley said...

I kept thinking about you and watching the news - so glad that your house survived. And so awful that your friends' did not. Hate hate hate fire season in California!

Hang in there and take it easy on yourself - you have been through a lot.

Angie Eats Peace said...

I am so sorry you have gone through all of this :(

Gigi said...

I'm SO relieved that you are safe and back home. I thought of you all weekend. How sad for your friends - I can't imagine the loss and devastation they must feel.

You've been through so much - how frightening and life-changing it all has been. Let the tears flow. You're safe now and there's no place like home.

Mary :: A Merry Life said...

Wow the fire is crazy!!

I'm sorry about all the things that seem to have been happening in your life. Things will get better. Sending tons of positive energy your way!

Beth @ Kitchen Minions said...

Oh wow, thank goodness your home and family is safe!

Miz said...

I cant believe all the stress youve been under lately.
You so so so have some DULL NORMAL ROUTINE due your way.

SeaShore said...

I'm so glad that your family and your home are safe, and so sorry that your friends lost theirs.

MaryFran said...

You let yourself cry and feel those emotions....crying and tears bring healing. And when you heal, you will be much stronger!

keeping you in my prayers as you, your neighbors and friends work through the aftermath and devastation!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you were able to go back home and sorry for those who can not. You have had a lot to deal with. I am wishing you and yours the strength to get through it all.

Christine said...

Wow. That is just.. crazy. I feel so bad for your friends, and so happy that your home didn't suffer the same fate.

Girl in Carolina said...

I don't even know what to say except wow - I'm so glad your home was spared but so sad about all the others. That picture gives me chills!!!! Thank God you and your family are ok.

Missicat said...

Wow, how scary. So glad you are OK. Had no idea you were so close!