Step by step, we're slowly treading a fractured path between survivor's guilt and gratitude. No cluster of braincells can wrap itself around the enormity of 11/8/18. It's much easier to keep doing and moving, to participate in relatively mundane routine. Thus, I'm hopeful that you're okay with my continuance of abnormal normalcy. (In this case, I mean poetic erotica.)
There are more than enough (likely too many) photos of the devastation.
But this is a sweet niche -- my blog, you, and my geographic surroundings.
In time, I'll bring you heartening, hopeful glimpses of life after the Camp Fires. Chico has accommodated Paradise, literally and figuratively. It's a beautiful thing.
Some of you have reached out personally to find out how you can help. My favorite local charity, and the one to which Packers superstar Aaron Rodgers donated $1 million, is North Valley Community Foundation.
An angelic couple in Sacramento started Paradise Fire Adopt A Family- a phenomenal effort that garnered over 10,000 likes and views in the first seven days. They're making connections throughout the world for fire survivors. "It's not about money. It's about loving your neighbor," -Eric and Heather Lofholm. You can find them on Facebook under that name, or on the internet at this site.
Yet the fire survivors aren't requesting money. When I spent time with them this past weekend, I asked folks one by one, "Do you need anything?" Most said "no thank you." Imagine that! A few playfully told me that I could get them a new home. The rest made simple requests: Pepsi, a Rockstar, beer. (For the first time in my life, I bought beer. I was thrilled to do so.)
Fires are extinguished, but gratitude is eternal.
We welcomed today's rain.
Have a safe and grateful Thanksgiving.
Naughtiness is okay (or better than okay) too.
Love you.
You are a wonderful soul, Robyn. Kindness is something that costs nothing and is always remembered.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
You said that beautifully, Martha.
DeleteLove and safety to you and yours.
On my birthday in 2003 fire wiped out over 500 houses in my city, killed people and animals. Over a decade later the pain is still there. Thank you (and everyone else) so much for opening your hearts/wallets/homes to the people of Paradise.
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm so sorry you went through that, EC. I was recently thinking that there is likely no moment of "being over it" - with something like this. Paradise and its people will never be the same.
DeleteThank you for your relentless heart and fight, my friend.
Great that people can come together and help, even as those who lost everything ask for nothing.
ReplyDeleteOne Thanksgiving feast to be thankful for.
Yes, more thankful than ever. "Those who lost everything ask for nothing." Well said. It's true.
DeleteBe safe and well, Pat and the cats.
lots to ponder and so many count our blessings and take too much for granted. Glad you are well and taking care of those who need a beer, a hug, a laugh, or a good cry. Heartfelt thoughts to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteToo much to ponder, as we carry on.
DeleteA very warm loving, delicious Thanksgiving to you and yours, Joanne.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, fishducky!
DeleteI am grateful for your heart and your humor. And just to let you know, I have deboned my big bird.
ReplyDeleteHaha. I'm impressed. I've never actually - um, said in a whisper - "deboned" anything. Smiles.
DeleteThank you, Wilma.
Enjoy your feast.
Happy Thanksgiving, Robyn, in difficult times. Glad you're safe and helping out!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra.
DeleteBe well and relish in gratitude.
Wow, quite a change in tone between the all-too-serious stuff going on in California and the well-crafted silliness and sexiness of the poem. I never felt anything like the feelings prompted by the latter in association with Thanksgiving, though.
ReplyDeleteTransitions aren't my forte, Silver.
DeleteI hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem (I'm making that assumption, based on the fact that it elicited prompt feelings). =)
Be well.
Oh, yes, I definitely enjoyed it.
DeleteVirtual hugs.
DeleteBless you, Robyn, and your kind heart and generosity for helping out those in need after the fires. I still cannot fathom the scope of the tragedy there.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we ever will. It's too much to take in - I can't believe our Paradise is no longer.
DeleteThank you for your sincerity and kindness, Connie.
I remember how the community pulled together after the 89 earthquake. We have to help each other cause the gov't sure isn't going to.
ReplyDeleteAnd we are. There's a vast presence of loving kindness - it's soothing a lot of hearts.
DeleteThank you, JoJo.
Glad to hear tthe fires are out and people are responding. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
At last, 100% contained as of two days ago, I think. The days are SO LONG - it's hard to keep track.
DeleteThank you, Sage.
Take care.