I texted a friend in the middle of the fires last week. Checking in to see if everything was ok. That's something of a courtesy around here. We're all subject to wildfires, with the Santa Ana winds, smoke-filled skies, and the nuisance ash that covers cars and windshields. I live in the shadow of Saddleback Mountain, which was denuded by flames back in September. The vegetation is completely gone. Ever since, all that bare soil gets whipped up when the Santa Anas blow, dropping a fine layer of grit on my backyard. I've power washed it and bought a big industrial broom to sweep it all up, but no sooner do I clean it all up than a new layer of wind deposits more silt. It's maddening.
My point is that we're used to all this in Southern California. My youngest son had to evacuate. He's here at home now. Loads of friends also had to pack up and run, but they're all safe. So when I texted my friend I expected the usual response, which is always some variation on "We're fine."
Instead, his response was this:
We lost everything.
There's a mistaken belief that the homes burned by this week's fires all belonged to rich people. But there are a lot regular folks who bought homes in those areas back when they were affordable. So I find myself disappointed in humanity to read comments on X and Facebook that these people who lost everything don't deserve pity because they're rich or elite or just plain Californian. Whether rich or middle class, loss is loss. Prayers and emotional support don't come with a worthiness clause.
The question that haunts me in all this is the concept of starting over. How, exactly, does one go about that process? Many people grabbed their most precious memories before fleeing the flames. I guess that's a start — a core to build upon. I don't know what I would select. Grab Calene. Put the dogs in the back seat. Rush back inside for the passports and a laptop. Go. Where, I'm not sure.
Then what?
I'm a planner. Not the sort that writes protocols, more like a dreamer making lists of next adventures. Losing everything is unthinkable but it happens. It's not just a fire or a flood or a tornado that upsets a life. Sudden tragedy can come any time.
Hard questions. I've got no easy answers.