EVACUATION

Rolling sea of flames have covered several counties in Southern California causing deaths and leaving behind millions of dollars worth of destruction. Many are still not contained. We should care and be concerned about all involved including the brave individuals who fight these infernos, and I’ve only known a few individuals who were threatened by these hazards. Dad’s sister-in-law’s sister lives in an area of San Diego County that has had many fires. Was relieved when Janice was out of danger during the fire on Catalina Island earlier this year. Fortunately, never had to experience an immediate family member in the threshold of losing it all. If it were 1973, my brother would have been part of Sunday’s mass exodus of the Pepperdine campus in Malibu. Even though I’ve seen the fallen ash and smelled the smoke from the Cedar wildfire in San Diego County in 2003, to write about such a devastation would be more telling if I were to experience the imminent danger first hand.

On Monday I came home from work with a headache, bad enough to diminish the eyesight and nauseate the stomach. The pain seemed to intensify after receiving a call from Jonathan.

It looked like a third-world country--sirens piercing the air, seeing the orange glow over the hill, embers flying through the sky and igniting wherever landing, causing people from several surrounding blocks to abandon their homes and prized possessions. Jonathan had a flat tire and packed his car but would not leave until it was absolutely necessary. Urged my son not to wait too long--he could not be replaced, but Jonathan said he would be fine and would keep me posted. His reassurances fell on deaf ears, and I constantly picked up the phone to check on him. For hours sat on pins and needles, full of trepidation, anxiety and helplessness--I could not go to the rescue.

Everything seemed fine after Jonathan called four hours later. He had unpacked his car, and I could finally relax; however, an hour later the phone rang--Jonathan had evacuated because the back of the apartment complex was on fire. He had aired his tire and was on his way to a friend’s house in Oceanside. The dread returned until he had safely arrived at his destination.

Writing my Godstops (those bedtime meditations from the Believing God series) that night was difficult. However, I was fortunate not to have been threatened by any of the fires. Also realized that although Jonathan was in harm’s way, he was now safe and the experience could actually produce some life-altering changes, possibly for the better.

Jonathan was one of the lucky ones who was able to return home.