About 1 a.m. last Friday morning we received a call that said a fire was close by and we were to evacuate our home immediately. My first thoughts were that the city siren hadn’t sounded, and we didn’t see flames or thick smoke. Later I would find out our neighbors a short distance away had opened their front door to billowing smoke and a neighbor telling them flames were on the move. Thankfully, after about 20 minutes of us gathering essentials and calling other families on our block, we were told that the fire was out and the evacuation order lifted.
What I learned through that 20 minutes of intense anxiety was this:
1. Do it now. Earlier that evening my husband and I had actually made a list of things to do should we have a fire in our area. Had I done them? Nope.
2. Faithful, Fit & Fabulous principles work. When I had to gather essentials amazingly my Vital Documents were neatly stored in the correct tub, in the correct place. Thank you organization principles. Of course, I must add that one of the vital documents was missing (He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named is in the doghouse) but still…All scrapbooks were stored in one spot and childhood memorabilia-the kids and my own-were in labeled tubs in the garage. Of course, we could hardly GET to said tubs because the kids had tossed summer stuff in the way, but still…
3. It’s just stuff. Except for a few key items, this adage became absolute truth. And in the very moment you believe you are forever leaving your home (AND RECENTLY TOTALLY OVERHAULED YARD-I’m just saying…) it becomes crystal clear that it is just stuff. What matters most are the memories you made with it and the people who are still with you.
4. Volunteer fire-fighters rock. And neighbors. And people are who are aware, which is how the fire was able to be put out before it did damage (we later found out it could have eradicated our entire city on the mountain in one hour). In gratitude our family unanimously decided to do a special gift for the fire-fighters, some who spent until 5:30 a.m. helping put out the fire, then left for work by 7:30 that same morning.
Other things I learned included don’t build in the woods, where there’s smoke there’s fire, and a phone call at 1 a.m. during fire season is most likely NOT a fax and should be answered.
Meanwhile, our prayers go to those families displaced and thanks to all who have helped during this intense fire season. And just for today, I invite you to make your own Evacuation List. You never know when you might need it.
Best,
Connie
P.S. Congrats to Leonie Speksnijder, in Europe no less, who is our 8-week Challenge Winner! Keep up the great work. Loving this challenge–last week was my “Fit & Fabulous” one and I got back to the Basic 12 and fitness routine. Loving it!
