Dear Silly Hearts,
I held out as long as I could, but upgraded last month. My old fashioned flip-phone kept cutting out. I thus caved and went the way of Android.
Please forgive my shaky hands in the 2-min video of Paradise; I'm still learning. We always are, aren't we? Some of us (pointing at self) have steeper curves than others.
It's been six months since the Camp Fire.
A main point I'm making, one that's honest yet intensely sad, is that close to 400 (and not 85) people perished. Because every single life is worthy and should not be dismissed, I'd like to dismantle that myth.
To explain a bit, the statistic on the number of people unaccounted for had quickly disappeared, after I recorded it (296 or more). There's hush-hush around reports that hundreds of bodies were found huddled together, bodies that weren't identified. (85 is the number of identified, but I've seen claims of 85-88.) All forms of media have gone with this much lower number. It's easier to accept, although, very tragically, not true.
However, on a miraculous note, approximately 52,000 people survived. Given the fire so abruptly ravaged a region of land equal to the size of Chicago, this is incredible.
Everywhere there are signs of sadness and loss, hope and renewal can't be missed.
We are remarkably resilient, as is Mother Nature.
Go gently, and know that you're loved.
This sweet couple allowed me to post this. Between them is a heart in the fence, which she'd created. I told them that their love is exactly what I went to Paradise to capture. 
UGH. I have too much to learn. Sorry, seems you can't watch this...I'll work on it. Til then, be well and safe.
Fire is a heart-breaker that we see repeated each and every year.
ReplyDeleteEmail sent.
Love sent your way.
DeleteFire sure can do a lot of damage, but resilient people can sure be. Your video is bare here at your lair.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the video, Pat.
DeleteAnd you sure are right.
It is a miracle so many got out.
ReplyDeleteSorry, it says video unavailable.
Anytime I see a picture or footage, I can't believe ANYONE made it all - much less the kinds of numbers that did. It really is miraculous.
DeleteThank you, Alex.
I can’t watch the video..bummer but you wrote some beautiful here even with the tragedy. I love the picture of the young couple and that despite the heavy loss, people triumph
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of victory to be seen there (and throughout the world) - thank goodness.
DeleteThank you, Birgit.
Hi, my dears. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your sweet sentiment. I'm sorry if you can't see the video. That learning curve.
ReplyDeleteBe well and be safe.
Love to you.
The author who is sending books to the schools is featured in my next Dancing Lemur Press newsletter.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Diane. Kudos to her!
DeleteWow. Glad for the updated report. You did well with the pics and info. Folks are so resilient as is nature. Take care my friend
ReplyDeleteSuch a miracle for all those who got out safely or even with minor injuries. How infuriating that the news, etc is trying to downplay how many people lost. That's not right at all!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Robyn for your update and for giving those lost people a voice.
It's amazing (and sad) what the recovery process can consist of.
ReplyDeleteAs unbelievable as the catastrophe itself.
DeleteThank you, Silver and all my friend.
Every life lost is a tragedy. Fires are so horribly dangerous and we are seeing more and more of them each year. Sending love and healing to all those affected. Thank you for this update!
ReplyDeleteI was reading a book on WWII and the Outer Banks of NC. Seems the government was hiding the fact that U boats were sinking passenger and cargo ships off our coast, but it was hushed to keep the public from panicking. Why don't they just stick with the truth? We can handle it.
ReplyDeleteI'll be emailing.
Yes, it's a pattern, isn't it? As if people who've survived such traumas can't handle specific details like those. Or as if we don't know/suspect they're withholding the info. Sigh.
DeleteThanks for your thoughtfulness.
Thank you, Martha, Elizabeth, everyone.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate every one of you.
Love.
Wow, I didn’t now there were so many unidentified. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. We'll never know exact numbers - for many reasons. The secrecy behind it all makes it feel a lot more sobering to me.
DeleteSuch an overwhelming tragedy. It is amazing to know that so many survived, though, out of all that devastation. It is also good to see the green and the wildflowers returning.
ReplyDeleteBeauty from the ashes - indeed.
DeleteThanks, Connie.
So very very sad, and so unnecessary. As a person who used to love to camp, the fact that a single camp fire could do this is terribly sad. Shameful the correct information isn't being properly reported. I'm not understanding the locks. I see names and dates, but why are locks being used to note this? Is there a story or reason behind that? I would like to order some cards.
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly, Sandy.
DeleteFor the cards, please message me at Rawknrobyn@aol.com. How many would you like, and are you on Paypal? I'll also need your address or POB.
Much gratitude,
Robyn
PS Good question about the locks. When I traveled to Greece, there were locks attached to a fence along a cliff too. You can find them in different parts of the world. I believe it signifies the fact that our hearts are locked there - that's the best explanation I have, but I'm hopeful others might chime in.
DeleteThis is so devastating. So sad.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, the DLP newsletter wen tout today and it featured that author who was collecting books for the schools. I'm not sure if you are signed up to get the newsletter, but I can send it to you. I hop a lot of authors and publisher donate. DLP will be!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful. I don't think I'm receiving the newsletter. Would love to see it, Diane. If you don't mind, please do forward to Rawknrobyn@aol.com.
DeleteThank you!
Your compassion and ongoing interest is remarkable Robyn. Thank you for sharing these photographs and your insights.
ReplyDeleteFire is insidious. Cruel and non discriminatory. Thank God more weren't killed.
Peace to all the survivors.
Xo