Fourteen years ago today, the world was forever changed by
the attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Center. So many innocent men
and women lost their lives, both those who went to work that day and those
responded to the crisis. I will always have the utmost respect for those brave
individuals.
On this September 11, I am again grateful. Yesterday my aunt
and uncle were evacuated from their home on Pine Bark Drive off Jesus Maria
Road in Calaveras County. Today, we heard they have likely lost their home.
It could have been much worse. They hadn’t planned on
leaving.
Usually, the cooler weather at night abates the flames. And
their home was on the downhill side of the fire, which usually makes for slower
progression. The thought they could safely wait out the night.
An official came to the door and told them they had 30
minutes to get their things and flee. Annie was able to rescue her two cats,
irreplaceable family photo albums, and an Indian rug from Arizona. She left all
the lights on and the doors unlocked as they drove away. In the distance, the
sound of propane tanks exploding sounded like bombs. As they passed the fire
station, Annie noticed they too were packing up and pulling out.
While losses won’t be confirmed until the Damage Assessment teams can safely begin
evaluations of damaged and destroyed structures, it’s not looking good. CalFire
is updating maps of the affected zones and a significant area around their home
appears to have been engulfed. The insurance company has already contacted her
and is sending an initial compensation payment.
Mom and I performed
our own reconnaissance, independently we both attempted to call their home
phone which rang and rang and rang before disconnecting.
I can’t help
thinking that if the fire safety personnel hadn’t gone door-to-door, Carina and
I might have gotten a very different update from mom today. There are families
who won’t be as lucky as ours. One of Anne and John’s good friends decided not
to evacuate and his fate is unknown.
Tonight, I am
overcome with gratitude for the many firefighters, police, and military service
people who put their lives on the line against the many threats we face. It is
because of them that so many of us can live our lives, safely going to work,
the grocery store, and even to bed at night. I cannot help feeling incredibly
thankful that Anne and John are safe in Modesto. They will hug their
grandchildren, snuggle their kitties, and see the sunrise tomorrow.
