Amidst the shroud of tragedy and despair, the profound beauty of humanity was discovered

In this haunting photograph, I stand amidst the ruins of what was once our home, a silent witness to the devastation that claimed not just our belongings, but a piece of our hearts as well. September 8, 2020, is a date destined to be forever etched in my memory, a moment that time will never erase.

How it all unfolded

In that summer, an extraordinary dry spell prevailed. Three almost rainless months left the land unusually parched, an intensity of dryness seldom seen in our community. In the days leading up to September 8th, ominous "red flag warnings" loomed large, indicating an impending extreme wind event. The pervasive dryness intensified concerns, creating a perfect storm of conditions ripe for disaster – a potent blend of arid landscapes and volatile winds, a recipe for potential catastrophe. On the evening of the 7th, the forecasted event unfolded as feared, with winds intensifying and sparking anxiety among everyone. Just after 9:00 pm, the sky was punctuated by several ominous orange flashes caused by debris striking power lines. The turning point came a little after 9:30 pm when a call from a neighbor jolted us into action: "There is a fire by our house, and it's spreading rapidly." This chilling message set off a chain of events that would change everything. I drove to my neighbors home, to see for myself what was happening. We've had fires before, and high winds aren't all that uncommon.

What greeted me was sheer horror, instantly instilling fear. The fire had grown exponentially, nearly tripling in size within moments, spreading in all directions. Realizing the urgency, I knew immediate evacuation was our only option. With just one narrow route out, a bridge to cross, I understood the gravity of our situation. Time was of the essence; waiting meant risking entrapment as the flames closed in on the road. I had read about wildfires and the unfortunate stories of people trapped, unable to escape. I used to wonder, how could they not get away? That night, I learned firsthand the terrifying truth: wildfires move at an alarming speed. If you don't act swiftly, the fire can engulf everything in its path, leaving no room for escape or hesitation. Miraculously, we escaped for the most part physically unharmed, but the narrow window of opportunity we seized couldn't have been smaller. The road was blocked by fallen power lines, and the fire was swiftly closing in. Our decision to flee when we did, just in the nick of time, undoubtedly saved us from disaster.

The Devastating Aftermath

On the afternoon of the 8th, the devastating news hit us: we had lost our cherished home. It was a home I had painstakingly built with my own hands, with the loving assistance of family and friends. It was where our children had grown up, a sanctuary of safety and love. This home held the echoes of laughter and the promise of countless more cherished memories. The loss felt like a shattering of not just walls, but of dreams and the irreplaceable moments that were meant to unfold within them. Within those walls, we had entrusted all our earthly possessions – possessions that transcended mere material value. They were cherished keepsakes, each item holding a unique story and sentimental worth. Among them were heirlooms passed down through generations, and precious mementos like a child's handprint from grade school, capturing the essence of our children's growth and innocence. These items were irreplaceable, embodying not just memories, but the very essence of our family's history and love.

A Shifting Perspective

The enormity of our loss hit hard; everything was gone. We found ourselves crammed into a hotel room smaller than our kitchen, without clothes and without a clear future. Our community, like us, was shattered, and those we might have turned to were equally adrift in uncertainty. To make matters worse, the world grappled with a relentless pandemic, COVID, forcing us into a hotel filled to the brim with people fighting just to survive. Amidst this crisis, the pervasive political divide infiltrated every aspect of our lives, adding to the overwhelming sense of despair. In this perfect storm of personal and global tragedies, it felt as though the world had caved in around us, leaving us lost in the darkness of uncertainty.

In the mere days following the fire, my perspective underwent a profound transformation. Within the depths of our personal tragedy, a revelation dawned: amidst the darkness, there existed an abundance of goodness in the world. I found

solace in Gandalf's timeless wisdom: "I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."

In the wake of our loss, these small, sometimes grand, acts of kindness and love began to weave a tapestry of hope around us. Strangers and friends alike, from across the globe, extended their hands in generosity. My youngest daughter, whose room once teemed with cherished stuffed animals, found solace in the unexpected kindness of others. Understanding the depth of her sister's pain, my eldest daughter launched a Go Fund Me campaign. The response was awe-inspiring; contributions poured in from all corners of the world, each one a beacon of compassion.

One remarkable story emerged, where a young girl recognized that my daughter had lost a specific dollhouse. Despite her attachment to it, this young soul, driven by love and selflessness, decided to gift her beloved possession to a stranger — my daughter. Such acts of unspoken kindness left us utterly overwhelmed, reminding us that even in the face of tragedy, the world can overflow with boundless love and generosity. Another example: For her birthday, my daughter's cousin made a remarkable decision. Instead of receiving gifts, she urged people to contribute to my daughter's cause. With the money collected, she went to Build A Bear and replaced, if I recall correctly, nine of my daughter's lost stuffed animals. This thoughtful gesture not only mended a piece of my daughter's heart but also showcased the incredible empathy within our family circle.

After the fire, our once thriving 15-acres of timber, just years away from harvest, lay devastated beyond salvage. I took on the monumental task of clearing it, initially working alone. A compassionate friend noticed my efforts and joined me whenever he could. Then, a phone call from another friend shifted the narrative entirely. He proposed organizing a "work party" on an upcoming Saturday. That morning, as I prepared for a handful of helping hands, my friend arrived with an excavator. Moments later, my nephew appeared with another. By 9:30 am, I had lost count at 110 volunteers, who gathered to assist me. Among them were some familiar faces, but the majority were strangers, driven solely by the urge to help, to support others in their time of need. Their collective efforts painted a vivid portrait of humanity's resilience and compassion, illuminating the power of community in times of adversity.

These examples are just a glimpse into the selfless, extraordinary acts of kindness we encountered. Countless more unfolded, not only within our immediate circle but rippling across the entire community. People from all corners of the state descended upon our town, offering their assistance in any way possible. Their motives were pure; they sought nothing in return. Their sole desire was to make a difference, to extend a hand and help, embodying the very essence of community and humanity at its finest.

Final Thoughts

I could fill pages with the profound goodness we witnessed while navigating the aftermath of the tragedy that befell my family and community. It would have been simple to succumb, to let the darkness define my life. In the years following the fire, life has slowly regained a sense of normalcy, yet the shadows of despair linger, amplified by the political discord and global conflicts bombarding us through the news.

However, this personal tragedy has become an unexpected source of strength. It's a reminder to return to my "happy place," a mental refuge where I recall the immense kindness that surrounds us. Despite the bleakness in the world, I actively seek out the good, resisting the constant barrage of negativity. I am fortunate to have a loving, supportive family who stands unwaveringly by my side. I am blessed with incredible friends and a community that emerged from tragedy not only stronger but also transformed, showing resilience and unity that inspire me every day.