We are just beginning to hear and see stories of people returning to the burned heaps of rubble that were once their homes. They sift through some of the debris and find broken china, perhaps a metal bed frame, perhaps a spoon. They are somber, and some are in tears, as they survey the charred remains of a former life.
The common response of all, though, has been a profound gratitude for life. The fires may have stolen a lifestyle and its mementos, but they also have gifted people with a new appreciation for living.
A few days ago, I spoke with some who thought people would be leaving San Diego by the droves.
At that time I thought not--and still do.
A family whose home was destroyed in Ramona was asked by a reporter if they were going to pull up stakes and move. The owner replied that his burned house is just a house, but Ramona is home. They will rebuild and remain in their home: Ramona. That is their community, where friends pull together and share a common history. Fires cannot destroy that bond.
I have spoken with several people whose La Costa area homes were destroyed 12 years ago in the Harmony Grove Fire. Most rebuilt and remained in the community--because it is the community that is home.
No one means to minimize the horrible trauma of losing one's home. There is the shock of the initial loss, the months of haggling with insurance companies and contractors, the problems of displacement and finding temporary shelter, the process of rebuilding a lifestyle.
But the process of rebuilding a lifestyle allows for changes in living that might not have occurred otherwise. The rebuilt home may be configured differently, may better reflect your identity, may better serve your needs. And the rebuilding will be a process shared by the community, which will further tighten the bonds between neighbors and friends.
San Diego will survive and thrive.
If grass can grow through concrete, life can arise from the ashes.
Thank you, Roberta. I think from what we have seen in the past that people WILL rebuild - lives, community AND homes. It will take time but once people are beyond the shock and horror of what has happened they may be able to move ahead. I cannot imagine it myself, since my home was not damaged. We continue to hope and pray that the fires will be contained soon and further damage will be minimized. Too much has happened already and teh devastation is beyond description.
Jeff
My prayers are with you and everyone in the area. Michael, it is more than surreal - I've been evacuated three different times due to flooding and the not knowing is, well words can't describe it. And I knew my house would at least still be "standing" (well, I have to admit, I had visions of it collapsing) and most of our belongs would be ok. Sincere prayers here!
Sharon: Yes! Sophia Loren said something to the effect: Don't cry over something that can't cry over you....
Jeff: We have so much for which to be thankful: We are thankful to have our homes and lives intact. There are so many who are even more grateful to simply have their lives. After a devastating 7.4 earthquake in 1992, I was sweeping Waterford crystal and other breakable inheritances up with a snow shovel--and fortunately recalled Sophia Loren's advice (see above).
Roberta,
Thank you for the continued updates. Is it at times like these that bonds within the community do just get stronger. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by these devastating fires.
Well put Roberta!
I learned this lesson cleaning up after the Northridge Earthquake in '94 (I lived about 2 miles from the epicenter at the time) - things are just things. So shovel up what's left of your dishes and celebrate the fact that you're here and have a perfect excuse to go shopping for new dishes!
In the end, we live in Southern California, and there's no better place to be!
Hi Roberta! This sure was an experience! This was my first evacuation. I'm still trying to figure out what day it is. I'm coming down off my five-day adrenaline rush.
The inside of my home is fine, but the exterior is a total disaster from the winds and ash. Our fence was destroyed and tree limbs and debris are everywhere. I still have not had a chance to get out and look around at the burn areas nearby. I understand more than 25% of San Diego County burned. The fires are still going, so they haven't got a final tally yet.
I've been asked whether I thought prices would come down near the burn areas, and my answer was no. I think people absolutely will rebuild and stay put.