FIRES OVER: RECOVERY STILL A LONG AND PAINFULL PROCESS

It has been several days now since the winds and fires finally came to their tumultuous end. I did not go out for six days while the fires raged and the winds blew. The air for everyone in the Los Angeles area filled the skies with the pollution of ash, toxins and particulates blowing in all directions and for at least three days, I could not see the sun. The clouds of smoke hung like a fog bank in skies normally California blue and clear. I kept praying for safety, protection and support to put the fires out and let people go back to their homes.

I have lots of thoughts about how the responses to the tragic blazes could have been different - I always want to believe somehow this could have been prevented. But nature has a way of reminding me just how human we are - one hundred mile an hour winds, ninety degree heat, endless acres of dry brush, water starved trees, a child with matches, crazy arson people, antiquated fire fighting equipment, a lack of an inclusive plan for regional disasters, not enough fire fighters for so many fires at one time - the "perfect fire storm" - the "imperfect human nature".

Now the recovery, for some, for many, this is life changing, day by day, a struggle to just survive: a painful process. This morning the air heats up again. The Santa Ana winds are returning. We need the rain. We need answers. I need to believe what happened just days ago, will never, never happen again. But deep down, I know differently. I live in a paradise where the price of pleasure is always a possibility of earthquakes, fire storms, mud slides, a flood,a tsunami. I ask for clairity, balance and protection as I sit here at my desk in the beautiful sun, looking at gorgeous, once-again clear blue skies, lush green trees, and the flowers, which know no season, still blooming.

Thank you to everyone, friends and family, who offered us a place to stay if needed, to those who called with their concerns and prayers, you will never know how much this show of caring helped me to cope with so many days of intensity and uncertainty.

If you have been touched by the fires and just want someone to talk to, please call me at 1-626-796-8605 or email ambersilverstar11@yahoo.com. I will listen and send you positive thoughts and love that your needs are taken care of and your life can have a new and safe future.