Watching the Fires from Afar

I am heartbroken watching the fires burn in Los Angeles. I don’t have one friend or family member who has not been affected, from those who have lost their homes to those who have been on edge from evacuation orders in place, which were rescinded and then ordered again. Some have evacuated, others have their cars packed and ready.

The house we owned is in a hole at the center of the fires, like the eye of a hurricane. The Palisades and Malibu fires are to the west, the Kenneth fire to the north, fires in the Hollywood Hills are south, and the Eaton Fire is east. The homes in our old neighborhood have been safe from destruction, though residents will have considerable ash and debris to clean up. For now, they have their homes and are safe.

My old neighbors have been there for their friends and family who have lost homes or had to evacuate. Los Angeles consists of close communities and caring people who immediately step up to help others impacted by disasters.

I even read that various sports teams in Los Angeles have donated substantial amounts of money to assist residents recover from the fires. Go Lakers, Rams, Dodgers, and Kings!

My phone has been bouncing with texts between friends and family since the fires started. Everyone is staying in touch, letting us know how safe or unsafe they are and the status of their communities during this quickly changing situation. It’s very strange to have this much contact yet unable to help.

Places shown on the news are where I’ve shopped, restaurants I’ve eaten in, streets I’ve cursed for their lack of parking or expensive parking meters (I apologize now), and museums I’ve spent hours in.

In 1994, Los Angeles suffered a devastating earthquake. I lived at the epicenter and was out of my house for three years due to the damage. I know what many of the victims of these fires are facing, and it will be gut-wrenching. However, as I discovered in 1994, many people will pitch in and provide safety, support, advice, and even some good meals.

I reminded my tennis friends that the air here is clear, the skies fluctuate from gray to blue, and a reminder: we are in wine country, and Daniel is a chef. I can’t promise warm weather, but we have indoor tennis courts where they can hit balls to take out their frustrations.