Brother Hagrid at what used to be his house:
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About 8 inches of snow fell on the fire ravaged zone on Friday. It's ironic that the high winds that ripped through on Thursday were the precursor to the storm system that brought the snow. I'm so glad for that snow, otherwise the fire would've kept on burning for who knows how long and how many acres. Thursday was (obviously) a red-flag day, so other fires could've started as well.
Chaco reported that his boss's house was also destroyed. I'm sure other colleagues of his are in the same boat as many lived in neighborhoods along the fire's path.
When my parents passed away, Hagrid and his wife took on the huge task of clearing out their home. My parents weren't necessarily hoarders, but they had trouble getting rid of things. Their home was always clean and tidy, though. They just had a lot of crap.
In their later years, when I would visit, my mom often asked me what I wanted from their belongings. I didn't really want anything and I also didn't want to talk about such things.
When I was last at Hagrid's, I saw several furnishings and home goods from my parents' house - items they'd had for years, brought from the Philippines. It's true, I didn't care to have them, plus, I don't have room for such things. But it was nice to see them and know that Hagrid had them.
Now, I keep thinking of a conversation I had with my dad, not long before he died. He was aware that he had too much "stuff" in that house. But the task of weeding through it all was too large for him to want to think about. He said something to the effect,
"I'd like to just set a match to it and shut the door", somewhat jokingly.
Aw, Dad.
5 comments:
Oh wow, So sorry for the complete devastation for your brother. I can not even realize!!! I, too, have said that about the garage-"nothing that a match wouldn't fix"...beware!
Such a heartbreaking photo of your brother at the site that once was the place he called home. To have lost everything, I just can't imagine, and how does one start again? Yet I know he and his wife will do the best to do so. Shame too with the loss of things that once were your parents that your brother/SIL treasured enough to make those items part of their house.
I think most older people get to the point where they realize they have too much stuff but it is hard to sort through and decide what to keep, what to give away, etc. My in-laws were hoarders, truly, and it was a disaster to sort through their stuff when they passed. But we had the choice of what to keep (not much) and what to give away (a lot). Unfortunately, your brother/SIL didn't have that choice for their house and that is a tragedy, along with all the others who lost their homes in this devastating fire. Thankful the snow did come though! Just a little bit too late I guess :(
betty
Linda Sue, it's an overwhelming situation. They have a short-term plan, but executing it is easier said than done. And so many others are in the same boat.
Betty, I've known of some true hoarders and it baffles me. My brother had some of the items restored to better shape than they were in. I feel bad about the work and care he and SIL put in only for it all to be wiped out. They're strong people, and will get through it.
Oh I am so sorry about your brothers home and belongings. But I am glad they were saved! This is so sad. I read something that they now think this was intentionally set? Really? I hope not. Gosh people are awful if it was intentional.
Peg, yeah, glad they got out even though no "things" were salvaged. Could've been much much worse. Blame is pointing toward a Christian sect as the source of the fire. Intentional? Or utter utter stupidity?
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