It’s coming up on the year anniversary of the Thomas fire, then considered the worst fire in California’s history. And now on the eve of remembering our beautiful city, Ojai, and all that was lost, she is weeping for her neighboring cities that are burning. And crying for her northern California cities that are burning. This photo captured my aching heart and I needed to share. As the overwhelming destruction continues, we are hoping for containment, for the winds to stop, and for rain.
I wrote this a year ago, when my home, my entire city, was surrounded by fire.
I just want to cry to relieve this ache in my chest that feels like my heart will burst. The Thomas fires have devastated parts of my town, peoples’ lives, animals’ lives, and left us remaining in an unrelenting hill of toxic smoke. We evacuated for 5 days and upon returning are pretty much home bound with our HEPA filters running day and night. Masks don our faces when we dare to venture out into the ash falling snow. I’m fixated on facebook where reports are posted and networking occurs. It’s here during this time that we are experiencing the best of the human condition: the heroic firefighters working round the clock; the selfless people reaching out to strangers albeit neighbors in this small town to help in any way they can (giving money, clothes, food, opening their homes, etc.); acts of kindness large and small that leave me breathless. And we see some of the worst of the human condition: looting, employers firing their workers without cause, etc.
Last night I saw a woman post something on facebook in one of the network groups (there are many) that her husband lost his job and they have four children with nothing to give them for Christmas. She left her phone number. I phoned her, mentioned my name and said I’d like to give you some money for your children for Christmas. I told her we don’t have children and I’d like to adopt them for the holidays. She, her husband, and the four adorable young ones came to our home last night and we handed her an envelope and all of them chocolate bars we had in the house. The kids were quiet to begin with but by the end of the evening they were running around the entire house in circles, giggling and playing. Then the spontaneous hugs and kisses came. The littlest girl grabbed my legs in a hug before she left. I can still feel the warmth of that moment. I can still feel the love we shared with complete strangers who for a brief moment in time became family.
The fire still surrounds Ojai in parts and ash filled smoke lingers in the air as the flames move up the coast toward Santa Barbara. My heart still aches and I still want to cry for all of those impacted and suffering, despite their smiles, despite their incredible resilience, despite their best attempts to rise up in gratitude for being alive because underneath is the lurking impact of the trauma we all share.
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Oh, today morning I read similar post; I feel situation is really bad in California due to global warming. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Thank you for your loving words. ❤
Thank you for sharing about the wildfire, we had to evacuate immediately
I hope you all stay safe and your property is okay. My heart is with you. ❤
Thank you for your kind words….We will keep our fingers crossed…
Marianne’s and my thoughts and moral support go out again this year to you and the people of Califorina who once more must suffer this terribly inhuman disaster. We am truly sorry that you and Terry and your friends and neighbours are made to endure this once more. We can but hope it will all soon be behind you, and that the memory of this tragedy will not negate the kindnesses and good deeds that surfaced thru the duration of all this misery.
Thank you for your loving, supportive words, JJ. ❤
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The California fire is so sad and heart wrenching! Please keep safe!! You have a heart of gold, God bless you for your kindness in helping this family.
Thank you so much for your kind words. ❤
PLEASE STAY SAFE!!!
Thank you, my friend. Right now we’re out of harm’s way, the main fires are south of us heading west to the coast. But the scary thing is the Santa Ana winds, which were up to 50 mph a day ago. Today is calmer but still only 40% contained in the burning areas. ❤
Improvement since this morning, but still horrendous!!
I’m thinking at you and all the people there.And hope it gows to stop quikely.You are in my thoughts.
Thank you so much for your kind, supportive thoughts, Lou ❤
Please, for these fires to stop and lives to be saved. I wish/hope/pray for these things with you Paulette.
Ahh, thank you my friend. ❤️
You are very welcome.
Thank you for what you- for humans and for the animals. I am so very sorry for what has been lost in your state. Many prayers for the people and the animals.
Thank you so much, Yvonne. ❤️
I hope nature intervenes soon. You know I also worry about the vast wildlife loss. Sending thoughts and love your way, Paulette.
I worry about the wildlife also, which has been badly impacted. And I to sure hope nature intervenes soon to prevent further loss. Thank you for you kind supportive words. ❤️
It is so heartbreaking. My heart goes out to you Paulette and all those impacted by the fires. May rain come soon.
Alison
From your lips to God’s ears. Rain would be so helpful. Big hug to you. ❤️
It’s hard to imagine how frightening — and devastating — these endless fires must be. I would be terrified for myself and everyone I know. As it is, I send my east coast hopes that all of you stay safe. I wish I could send you our rain!
I wish you could send us the rain as well. It is very stressful and anxiety provoking. And sad. The upside is all the incredible people on the lines fighting and behind the scenes doing so much good. Kind-hearted, decent, selfless people make all the difference. ❤
There are a lot of onions here, someone send some tissue 👐
That was so kind of you to do, Paulette. That family, I guess, are saying Christmas came too early.
Hope the fires recede sooner
You know it has been getting out and helping others that has kept my morale better. So many impacted are really inspirational in their resilience. And we’re all discovering that the simplest act of kindness makes a world of difference. Thanks so much for stopping by and your kind words. ❤️
Oh yes, small acts of kindness makes the world go round. Hope things have improved in your neck of woods
Things are slowly getting better and we’re hoping that the forecast for rain on Wednesday happens. Hope all is well with you.
I was very sad when I heard the news about the fires. My heart goes out to all touched by this.
Thank you so much ,Clowie❤️
Oh, this is so sad. We’re purraying for all of you, dear Paulette and we hope the fire will come to end. When we saw it on television, our hearts broke. Thinking of you all! Healing Pawkisses are on the way for all of you ❤ ❤ ❤
Those healing pawkisses of yours are sure to help. Many right back to you two. ❤️
Here’s to more people like you in this world. Praying for everyone in this deeply scary time.
Thank you, my friend, thank you. ❤️
So much tragedy and pain with these fires…that will last a lifetime and beyond. It is truly devastating. It is the stories of kindness like yours that will sustain hope….
Hi Denise and thank you. It’s overwhelming right now, especially with what’s happening in northern California. And it’s not just the fires here, but the other weather conditions/natural disasters that have hit/are hitting other areas, continuing to leave a trail of destruction in its wake. Things really need to change on a large scale. But for now what you said is so true, it’s the acts of kindness that in this painful moment right here, right now, that make the difference. Like your stopping by here with kind words. Have a good weekend. ❤
I remembered the post from last year :(. Devastating. My heart aches every time I see those photos. Prayers abound! ❤
Thank you my dear for the very needed prayers. We’re hoping for rain on Wednesday. ❤️
I shall focus on that. ❤
You made me smile. Right now, that’s the next best thing to rain. Big hug. ❤
I weep for the people and animals hurt and homeless. It’s a sad time.
Yes, a very sad time. We’re all hoping for rain to come tomorrow, which is in the forecast. That will be a morale boost for the firefighters who we so dearly admire and love. There are immeasurable good people making a big difference. Thank goodness for that balance, it helps. ❤
My thoughts and prayers go out every day for the entire state. Stay safe and know we are sending oodles of poodles thoughts your way.
Ahh, that’s sweet oodles of poodles throughts. No doubt they will be felt and help far and wide. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving. ❤
Fingers crossed. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving despite the fires.
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Sending love to you and prayers for gentle healing rain. ❤
Hi Carol and thank you. It’s raining as we speak. And the fires are out. Thank goodness. Wishing you and yours happy holidays. ❤
I am so grateful the fires are out, Paulette. The terror and loss people experienced, and the devastation of homes and lives, broke my heart. I am glad you are safe. Wishing you safe and happy holidays, too. ❤
Thank you, Carol. Your kind words made my day. ❤️
Ahh, just what we need. And we had some goof rain this morning thank goodness. ❤️