For the past few days, I kept tabs on the map. The map showed the expansion of the fire, areas that were evacuated and areas that were on evacuation standby. Although we moved further south, we lived in Pasadena for over ten years, so we still considered it home.
A good friend had to evacuate on a moments notice. She saw a small flame in the distance, but it quickly made it her way and they jumped in their car and fled for safety. I kept watch on the map and for the past two days, the fire was within two blocks of her house. She group texted us the other night that her house was miraculously still standing. While relieved, she also felt deep sadness because many of her friends lost their homes. Survivor’s guilt. As I write this, the fire is still aflame. We hope to hear better news every day.
I’ve been receiving updates that other people I know have lost their homes. I can’t imagine the feeling of their loss. Yes, they will eventually rebuild. But there is no recovering the lost mementos and photographs. What stays with you is the feeling of helplessness and loss of control. There is nothing they could have done to save their homes.
I had to come up to Pasadena this morning. I was early so I stopped into a local coffee roaster for my morning cup. A man sat nearby explaining how odd and scary it is to be driving around with all his valuables in his car. A woman mentioned her house is without power and she needed to sit and charge her phone. It made me a little sad.
There have been too many disasters in our recent lifetime. I think we could all use a break.
Thought a song of comfort might be best for today. I remember this song as a kid in church. Great is Thy Faithfulness.
Ah, a song I haven’t heard in a million years. And yes, a merciful break is needed, rain for our inflamed lands and souls.
It must be terribly hard to be that suddenly and completely displaced. Though I’ve packed the car with all the albums to flee a hurricane situation, the images I see in CA are so immediate. Unreal seeming. I hope it’s controlled very soon.
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Natural disasters are becoming pretty common these days. I can’t imagine hurricanes or tornadoes. They seem pretty frightening.
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Indeed so. I’d like not to go through another directly, and more importantly I’d like to see those who have some power in the world actually turn it toward a shared goal of earth care.
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Agreed!
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A good buddy of mine from college lives I Pasadena. So in trying to keep tabs on the situation.
I’ve never been a terribly spiritual guy. At the same time, I do believe in something g bigger than me , because I’ve lived a pretty charmed life.
Stay safe!
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Only half of Pasadena is near the fire. Hopefully your buddy lives south of the freeway.
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i read a few accounts from people who received no warnings at all, and when they finally left, took very little because they did not understand the comprehensiveness of the danger. tragic situation for so many. 🙏🏼
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Makes me think about what I’d grab if I only had five minutes left n an emergency.
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It is a sobering thought.
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It’s moments like these that remind us what is most important to us. I’m reading the updates on the fire every day and praying for everyone in CA. So glad the fire hasn’t reached you yet!
Great song choice! Very comforting.
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So true!
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The CA fires have made me think of my list of things I would grab if I had to evacuate fast. It’s the photos and mementos that you just can’t get back. So sad.
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I agree. I’ve been thinking about the same thing.
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So sad…as you say, the irreplaceable things that are lost to all future generations 😢 Great song selection.
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🙏🏻
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Yeah, it’s been tough down there. I have a friend who lost her house. I’m sorry to hear you have so many in your life who have been touched by this fire.
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I’m sorry to hear about your friend. It’s devastating
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Yeah…
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Another song that comes to mind is, ‘It
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Oops sorry, ‘It is well with my soul’. Glad to know you’re far.
There are no words once again to understand the magnitude of this.
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I’m not familiar with the song. I’ll look it up
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Up in Canada we are watching it all unfold, and sending our best wishes for safety and relief to our American neighbours in California. Such a horrifying situation.
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Fires are common here. But this one is like nothing we’ve ever seen.
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Sending so much love to all of you from the Midwest. I feel just sick about all of this. If your friends need help, please share links. I’m planning on adding links to posts over the next month.
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Thank you
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I’m glad you and your family are safe! I’m watching the news about CA everyday. I’m sad and sorry for everyone that lost their houses. I hope insurance will cover at least something. I heard that’s another struggle in CA.
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Let’s hope it gets contained soon!
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Also, if your friends need help. Please share links. I am currently helping some schools and teachers with books. That’s all what they asked for, so far.
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Thank you
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One of my student’s grandmother’s house burned down, he was so sad today😢
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It’s really sad to hear. I can’t image the feeling of loss…
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It was utterly heartbreaking.
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