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Sunday, July 1, 2012

Silver Liningness Sunday

 “The aim is to balance the terror of being alive with the wonder of being alive.”  


This was a week to remember.  I, for one,  learned that sometimes the biggest (literally!) clouds have the biggest silver linings.

I'm thankful for:

  • a roof over my kids' heads
  • clean clothes
  • electricity
  • clean water
  • fresh food
  • cold refrigerators
  • trees
  • rain

among other things.  
But I'm most thankful for people.  Friends (and that includes blog friends!) and family who had sobering realizations of how much we care about each other.  But I'm also very thankful for people I will probably never even meet.  I can't express my gratitude adequately in words.  I'm passing the buck and going with photos this week.

































“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” 
- Carlos Castaneda
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11 comments:

LL Cool Joe said...

I saw all the bird's eye view photos of the devastation the fire had caused. It was strange the way certain houses were burnt to the ground and yet the house next door was untouched. It must be so awful to lose your home and everything in it. It must feel like ones whole history has been destroyed and has gone forever. I'm so glad you and your family are okay, my thoughts and prayers go to those who weren't so lucky.

Abby said...

Thanks Joe. Some of those neighborhoods look almost like another planet. It's hard to imagine what it would be like to go back to a home left standing in a neighborhood that is mostly burnt to the ground.

agg79 said...

I am overjoyed that your home is untouched. We sometimes take for granted some of the things you listed, but you are spot on in being thankful for those things. Others have lost everything and my heart goes out to them. Nothing prepares you for that situation. I hope the worst of the fire is behind you and things begin to cool down. I'm still praying for rain and cooler temps for you guys.

ShadowRun300 said...

This post was incredibly moving. Your pictures say it all. I think of you often throughout my days, and pray that you're doing okay.
Vayda's note to the fire fighters brought tears to my eyes. How sweet is that?
And the fire fighter with the deer... *sigh* No wonder you're all so proud of the work they are doing.
Thank you for keeping us so informed. You've got a lot of friends out here who are worried for you.

Larz said...

Glad that all is well with you and yours.

lotta joy said...

Stud and I have been watching ABC news reports to see which way the winds have been blowing and still not knowing if you were in the line of fire or not.

Not only am I relieved by your good fortune, I'm heartsick over those who weren't.

MY line would read like this:

The aim is to balance the terror of being alive with the terror of dying. (I can't win either way)lol

Anita said...

Bittersweet post that evokes tears and smiles.

Love the quotes.

Happy you're safe and still have a home.

Scott said...

That's one the best posts of yours I've ever seen!

And the quote at the top: I've written that down, and am
definitely going to put it in my personal journal!

You have an indomitable spirit!

Rock Chef said...

A great selection of photos which says it all, I think! I am always in awe of firefighters, I really don't know how the do it, but to also see the pilots flying those planes in what must be very challenging conditions is amazing.

Glad that you and yours are safe!

CiCi said...

Having lived through the horrible fires in San Diego several years ago, I can picture the destruction and anxiety in your area and have been keeping you safe in my heart throughout. God bless the firefighters and all the volunteers.

terri said...

The quote at the end says it all.