InSanity~Normalize, Don't Stigmatize Mentall Illness.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Camp Fire, My Friend Joseph

Dear Ones,
   I've a lot of catching up to do with you and me. This past Wednesday, I returned from a visit to Los Angeles (my hometown). I saw evidence of fires, yet it appeared as though they were under control when I drove through.
   I'm touched by your care. Chris and Sage reached out, along with others. I've been safe. I don't think the Southern California fires hit highly populated areas, and Chico is not at great risk of fires. A Noah's Ark-like event is more likely. But I'm a good swimmer, and it rarely rains. So please don't worry about me.
   Friday marks one year since the Camp Fire incinerated Paradise. There's a somber, caring, and tentative feeling in the air. We're a very close community. Various commemoration events have been planned.
   On a related note, here's part 2 of my Camp Fire story that started here.
   Please be well, safe, and know that you are loved.
                 ----------------Good Lies, part 2
   Two months had passed when he reconnected. His call surprised me.
   "I’m at the Fairgrounds now," Joseph told me. "They keep stealing my stuff. I can’t even take a piss without my things getting stolen. I lost more in all the moves than I did in the Fire. I can’t sleep, it’s like—" his voice cracked. "The post traumatic stress, it’s real. We have a curfew, we're cooped up like prisoners. I can’t, I think, I hate to say it, but I think my uncle’s been stealing my checks. I was gonna leave here. I dunno what to—I don’t, I don’t know Robyn. I dunno if I can make it."
   I heard his tears.
   "Listen, honey. Listen, okay?"
   "Okay."
   "You’re not alone. I’m here. You’re going to be okay, I promise." That’s another lie. I couldn’t actually promise. "How can I help?"
   "Could you take me to the drop-in center? I need to get it all started again."
   "Sure. I’ll meet you at the Fairgrounds tomorrow, but I can’t get there until two o’clock. Okay?"
   "Two?"
   "Yes. That’s as soon as I can. I have some appointments before then. Will you be there then?”
   “I’ll be here. I just . . .” his insides spilled out of him like the yolk of a freshly cracked egg, “Please, Robyn. Please,” he begged. “Be a good person! Don’t let me down.”
   “I won’t, Joseph. I am.” I hope. Sh*t. “I promise.” Yikes.

    I couldn’t get there fast enough. The Chabad (Jewish Student Center) had given me a warm jacket and the last of the cash they had for Camp Fire victims. “I’m sorry that we don’t have more.” She handed me an envelope with $300. “We’ve just given away our fifth car. We plan to give a lot more.”


   At the Fairgrounds’ main entrance, I'm told “Joseph Metz isn’t here now. They took him by ambulance a couple hours ago. They said it he might’ve had a heart attack.”
   “Oh my God. Do you know where he is?”
   “I don’t know. That’s all I know.”


-------------------PS This is all true. It'll end soon, in the next post. If I left you in suspense, imagine my fright at that moment. Yikes!

22 comments:

  1. My heart is in my mouth - and I can only imagine how scared you were. And how frightened and disillusioned poor Joseph was.
    Thank you for being you.

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    1. PS: Please don't keep us in suspense for too long.

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    2. Thank you, EC. I won't.
      Please come back Friday for the finale.

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  2. Way to leave us hanging. When is the next installment!

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    1. I'm sorry, Bathwater. Will try to post it Friday (the anniversary date).
      Take care.

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  3. Well if you get to go on Noah's Ark, you get to go two by two, so there is that. Not sure you'd get your own stall though haha

    That must have been scary indeed. Hopefully you tracked him down.

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    Replies
    1. I'd rather have my own space. Two by two is too risky, you know?
      Thanks, Pat.

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  4. That is scary, but I'm going to guess it ends okay because it ends with a yikes and not tears?

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    Replies
    1. Worst case scenario is always a possibility, but yikes!
      Wink.

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  5. Riveting, and close to home. Will stay tuned, of course.

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    1. It is too close for comfort, right, Geo?
      May it never get closer.
      Stay safe.

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  6. Oh, boy. I'll stay tuned to see what happens.

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  7. I came in late in the story. I will look forward to the next part.

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  8. It's sometimes hard to help. It's always the right thing to do though, if you've been prompted to do it. I hope your friend was okay.

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    1. Yes, helping is hard and scary. It's much easier to not do it.

      Your sentiment is appreciated.

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  9. wow - this is very intense. Somehow I trust there's a good ending, I feel it. But all these current fires have made me think of you and the folks who went through so much last year. I'm glad you are safe and also still helping folks in the community. That's where humankind shines. Be well, my friend.

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  10. Oh no! How terrifying and upsetting.

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