I woke up on Monday morning and saw that a friend had posted that there was a fire and some serious evacuations occurring in my hometown of Santa Rosa. I immediately texted my dad because, even though it was 4 am his time, he's an early riser and I figured he would be awake soon. Then I started doing a little bit of looking on some other sites and realized this fire was more than one fire and that the evacuations was actually covering a nice chunk of the city. I called my brother, who was slowly driving and looking for a safe route to evacuate with his family. My family members were incredibly blessed to be able to have their homes still standing and have given much of their time and supplies to those who need a shoulder to cry on, a place to sleep, and simple things like toothbrushes, food, a hug, strength and understanding.
I've spent the week listening to Sonoma County local talk radio for updates and news conferences, checking my phone for texts from the Sherrif's office, calling and texting family, praying for rain and relief and a miracle, and crying for those who lost all they own, some without the warning to even grab shoes or anything of importance besides family members and pets. I have been more grateful for our first responders this week than I ever have been before because they are protecting the people, the places, the city that still feels like home every time I am there. But I have also been incredibly proud of my hometown for the miraculous response of those who still have and continue to give, those who have lost all and yet still give and talk and love those who have been displaced or been made homeless, and the stories of how people have given love to both friend and stranger. Through a horrific, unexpected, incomprehensible tragedy and loss, I have been inspired and strengthened by the reactions of those who have relied on their faith and their desire to show love to those around them. I have always been proud to call Santa Rosa home, but these people help me to be even more proud because we share roots and they inspire me to be better and serve no matter my life circumstance.
