Usually I write with the intention of entertaining. Today, I write to pass on information. As many of us who pay attention to the news in some form or another know, southern California is on fire and it's not good. Unusually strong Santa Ana winds and extremely dry conditions have caused these fires to spread rapidly and without regard for what's in the way. Over 1 million people have been evacuated, homes and businesses have been lost and firefighters are working 'round the clock to attempt to get things under control.
My brother and his family live in San Diego near Camp Pendleton. On Monday my sister-in-law and niece were evacuated from their home. Fortunately they were able to get far away from the fires quickly. I am very comforted knowing that they are safe. My brother is on a training mission in Arizona (he's a marine) and has been unable to be with his family during this difficult time. We still don't know what has happened to their apartment, but given the gravity of the situation and how close the fires are to Fallbrook we are assuming the worst. In one month, our whole family is headed out to San Diego to spend Thanksgiving together. It looks as though we may be spending the holiday helping them rebuild their lives. That holiday will never mean as much as it's going to mean this year.
I also have several cousins and friends living in Southern California. Everyone is safe and following directions from law enforcement when it comes to evacuation. It's reassuring to know that so many of my friends and family have been able to escape danger.
Please keep all those in southern California in your thoughts. A lot of support is going to be necessary in the coming months.
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