The California Wildfires, a devastating natural disaster that has broken records, is where I begin this newsletter. I am literally going to skip over December and move right into January. January has been so emotional and catastrophic that I must honor it. Our December was full of incredible travel experiences and a lovely holiday season, but the California wildfires, which have ravaged thousands of acres and displaced so many families, are at the top of everyone’s mind.
A little background: We planned a festive trip to London and Paris, departing on Christmas Day 2024. It was a spectacular trip, and I promise to give you the details next month. However, my newsletter begins this month on the last day of our European vacation.
My mother’s husband, Gus, passed away on January 2, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer. Mom and Gus were married for 36 years. My Mom is 85, strong, healthy, and such an inspiration. However, when you lose your husband, you do need backup, and she has it. My brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and our kids were there for her as Craig and I made our way home from Paris.
Gus loved being a grandpa, and as I have reported here many times, he loved being “G-Pa” to our twin Grandchildren, James and Josephine. Most of us know how unfair life can be, and our family is trying to fill in the gaps where a great man stood. He was taken far too young, and we will all miss him very much. Mom is doing pretty well, or as good as you can try to be, is the better answer. I wish I could ease her pain, but it’s just not possible. I can, however, try to make her life a bit easier. This is where the story of the California Wildfires connects with Gus’ passing. Holy cow, what a week.
Craig and I flew home to Seattle from Paris. I hugged my dog, washed my clothes, and flew to Pasadena, California, the next day. Mom and I numbly went about the practical household things for two days; we took walks, tended the yard, etc. On Tuesday afternoon, we made the arrangements for Gus at the funeral home, and on Tuesday evening, January 7, the California Wildfires began. The origin of the Eaton fire is about 7 miles from my mom’s home.
My sister-in-law Leslie went with us to the funeral home, and on her drive eastward home, the strong Santa Ana winds were howling, trucks were overturned on the freeway, and she saw tree branches cross the highway lanes. She also saw the glow of fire in Eaton Canyon. It was unbelievable and super scary.
On Wednesday, the unimaginable happened. My Mom received a call at 5:30 am from my brother Kirk, who lives in La Canada, not necessarily close to the fire origin, saying he was being evacuated because of the fire. We didn’t question the news; we knew the winds were strong and anything could happen. Embers were starting new fires miles from the origin.
As we scurried around in the dark, getting ready to fix breakfast and comfort my brother and his family, we took another gut punch. One hour later, at 6:30 am on Wednesday, January 8, our phones started honking this hideous sound – we were being told to “be ready to be evacuated.” What? No, we weren’t anywhere near the fire. Her husband just died; WTF?
Neither one of us had ever faced a situation like this, and I will tell you that there was panic involved, denial, and heartwrenching fear. Once we got our s%it together, we packed up Mom’s important papers, photos that could not be replaced, sentimental items and loaded her car.
As we waited for a possible evacuation, we sat on the couch all day, watching the news on different channels like two zombies. We were afraid for my brother and local friends, and an even more profound sadness enveloped us. First, Gus, and now the local world was ending? The devastation caused by the wildfires was palpable, with homes and livelihoods being destroyed. We never knew where the fire would go next.
At times, the trauma of it all was almost more than we could take. We what-iffed ourselves a lot, but ultimately, her house was spared, my brother and family were safe, and so was their home. We are deeply grateful for the support and safety we have received. Thank God.
So, what is the moral of this story? Truthfully, I am still working through this. I appreciate you reading all of the excruciating details of our story; it was cathartic for me. The California Wildfires tragedy is beyond words. So many people have lost so much, and my heart aches for them. The wildfires have not only caused physical destruction but also left a deep emotional scar on the community. Anyone we spoke to at the market or restaurant, was affected somehow by this disaster.
I will say that through social media, I can see many people rallying together to offer assistance; it is inspiring. The community’s response to the wildfires and their willingness to help and support each other is a beacon of hope in these dark times. It won’t bring back the homes they lost, but it will assist the fire victims as they begin to rebuild their lives.
As I type, the fire is still raging, and there is a long way to go. I have gathered some links for you to help if you wish.
Long List of Links
This is the link to Gaby Dalkin, a Los Angeles cookbook author. She is amazing and is using her connections and 1M Instagram followers to feed the firefighters and raise money with lists of needs of fire victims.
https://www.instagram.com/whatsgabycookin?igsh=MTI2NHc1Z3RyMHQ2Zg==
This is a newsletter that I never dreamed I would write, but you follow our adventures, and sometimes the adventures are not easy. Thank you again for being here; February should be an easier month.
On February 7th, we begin our fourth season of the Travel Connections Podcast with all of the incredible details of our trip to London and Paris for the holidays. In Episode #2 you will also hear from Craig and me as we share our extraordinary tour of Patagonia. February has great promise! You can listen and watch the podcast on Apple, Spotify, I Heart Radio and YouTube.
