I thought I would include this on the blog (it was actually written on Wed. Aug. 24th 2011) - every Wednesday I send out a motivational "blurb" to our Swap Organizer's. We call it the Wednesday "Blurb". Here it is below:
Hello Everyone!
I am happy to report my family and I have not been evacuated! But our thoughts and prayers are with the brave firefighters, police, and specialists who are currently trying to prevent a thermonuclear blast from destroying our quaint downtown area of Lincoln, CA. We live outside of the evacuation zone and are anxiously waiting to hear what the scoop will be on a moment by moment basis. For those of you who are wondering what is going on - A propane tanker caught on fire yesterday afternoon next to a propane factory. The thought of having a ticking bomb in our beautiful historic city has brought a great deal of alarm to families and business owners as well as put many people's lives at risk as they try to "disarm" this huge "bomb."
Yesterday I was shopping at Target picking up some school supplies for my 5 year old who was scheduled to start Kindergarten today (but all schools are closed due to the crisis). While we were discussing the choices of glue sticks that were most appropriate I received a phone call on my cell. I picked up with the usual, "Hey hon! What's up?" My husband's tone immediately straightened my back and all my senses were on high alert. Not only was his tone of that of warning, but the words that followed brought me into a very serious and thoughtful state of mind.
"Honey, where are you?" my husband spoke in a grave and serious tone.
"I'm at Target with the kids. What's going on?" I asked.
A sigh of relief from my husband.
"Good. I'll meet you there. I'm being evacuated. We have to close the office."
"Whoa! What?" I responded quickly, demanding more information.
"What's going on? Is everything alright?"
My husband quickly relayed the circumstance as I heard him packing up his things in the back ground. Oh no... I was stunned, my husband is in a danger zone??? An explosion??? I knew exactly where the propane factory was from my husband's office. Not even 1/2 a mile. I ended the conversation with a meaningful "Get out quick. Meet you here - love you. Be careful." As soon as we got off the phone I told the kids to say a prayer for their Daddy and for all the people that were working on containing the situation, as well as the surrounding homes and businesses that were being affected. It was one of those moments in life where you learn to appreciate what you have and make the most of every moment. Daddy got to Target safely, we spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying each others company. Today we got some house stuff done, went out to lunch, visited some family and overall had a really nice day. With schools closed, no office to go to, we are exceptionally grateful that at least we have our family and our home. When you are faced with trials like these, you are reminded very quickly that there are very few things in life that truly matter.
Right now, planning my next swap may not be on the priority list today, but I know that as soon as this crisis is over, I will be helping out my community with my next swap. Our family, our community - we will have answers and solutions to the problems we may face. This brings me great comfort. To know, to be prepared, to have a solution to some of the problems, and a way to help. If people in my community lose their homes or lose their loved ones, I know exactly what I will do to help. That's all for tonight. I need to go snuggle with those who matter most.
~Elle
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