Living in Los Angeles with the scary threat of fires coming closer, and packing a go-bag, I've been reflecting on my parent's experience. They lost everything, home and families, over a 4 year period during the Holocaust. They started over in a new country where not everyone welcomed them. I've been reflecting on their courage and resilience in a way I never have before.
When the enormity of the fires became known, I thought about, and prayed for, the victims who lost everything to the fires. I also thought about those who, like your friend, lived with the fear that they, too, could lose everything. I wondered if they felt angry that the rest of us are able to just go on with our normal lives. I remember holding that momentary anger just after my Mom died and I left her room to meet my sister who had arrived at the care facility too late. People were in groups laughing and talking unaware that my world had stopped. I wanted to scream at them, but that wouldn’t have lessened our loss.
May all of the people affected by the catastrophe find moments of joy and gratitude.
the fires are traumatizing to us in California. Thank you for this posting---I read it and cried--I've cried several times in the last few weeks--usually when I read about neighbors and communities helping one another.
Through my life, I've thought about what I would take with me if I could never return. I want to be able to walk out my door with nothing except my wallet and medication. Thankfully, I don't take any medication upon which my daily life depends. I suppose I can't know for a fact what I would try to take unless I was put in that position. I probably won't be, but I still think about it.
This also makes me think about hurricane Katrina. When I heard the stories about people who would not leave their pet behind on the roof to die, I thought hard about that, too. I have no spouse or children depending on me. I hoped that I could not have left my beloved Daisy on a rooftop to die.
Once again, I don't know for sure what I would do, but I do know who I would want to be.
Thank you, Amy, for stopping me for a bit today to think about it again.
I loved reading Cari Lynn’s essay. I’ve been worrying over friends and former coworkers in the path of the LA fires since they started. Praying (and sending my best intentions out into the universe, just to cover all bases) for theirs and others’ safety. A memory was jarred for me by the ‘outing’ of what was believed to be a family heirloom. On my mother’s death and the distribution of her worldly goods to be divided between me and my 3 siblings was a lovely pie server. It was white ceramic with what I believed was a hand painted flower design. I brought a pie to work one day (it escapes me for what occasion) and brought that beloved pie server. I told the story about how my grandparents had brought it from Russia upon their escape of persecution. One of the women asked to see it and I proudly handed it over for her inspection. She noticed something that I had never seen before, a stamp that said ‘Made in China.’ I don’t recall who told me that my grandparents schlepped it with them, I only know always believing it. I was mortified! I wasn’t sure if my coworkers thought I made up the tale about its origins or if they thought I was too ignorant to know the difference. Either way, I was so embarrassed! That said, I still have it and use it to this day because it is that pretty. Thanks for sharing your story, Cari Lynn; and as always, thank you Amy for the opportunity to read your wonderful writing.
Randi -- I appreciated the central truth of Cari's essay, too -- that the things we carry are really placeholders for the collective memory. (I'm so happy you are part of my own history!)
I've always felt the truth of this, but worried that I was over-do uplifting, making excuses. What we need to do is write our stories, and what we remember from previous generation's stories, and pass them along to our next generations. Really enjoyed this. Thank you.
The letting go of things and the keeping of memories is how I try to live my life now. Retired sold most everything and traveling the USA for as long as able. My heart breaks for all the natural disasters that are happening (from the Tampa/St Pete area of FL). So many people have lost not just things but their homes and in some cases their hope. Unfortunately CA was the one state we were hoping to fully explore when we retired however, it seems so risky now and so much has changed. Love your newsletter.
Wonderful read! I noticed that in the picture of the strainer, there are 2 candles next to it in pretty candle stick holders that are inlaid with blue glass. I have an identical set that I have owned for many years. Small world! 🌎
A timely reminder as I photograph my storied hand-me-downs. I've been writing brief history's of the items once belonging to parents, grand-parents and greats. I plan to offer the items and their stories to my children and grandchildren. What items they may not choose will be easier to donate because the people, places, and events have been heard.
Living in Los Angeles with the scary threat of fires coming closer, and packing a go-bag, I've been reflecting on my parent's experience. They lost everything, home and families, over a 4 year period during the Holocaust. They started over in a new country where not everyone welcomed them. I've been reflecting on their courage and resilience in a way I never have before.
I hope you read Cari's essay -- a similar experience resonates with her. I hope you are able to stay safe!
Thank you, Amy, for your beautiful reflections. They help so many of us to regain focus on what is truly important.
When the enormity of the fires became known, I thought about, and prayed for, the victims who lost everything to the fires. I also thought about those who, like your friend, lived with the fear that they, too, could lose everything. I wondered if they felt angry that the rest of us are able to just go on with our normal lives. I remember holding that momentary anger just after my Mom died and I left her room to meet my sister who had arrived at the care facility too late. People were in groups laughing and talking unaware that my world had stopped. I wanted to scream at them, but that wouldn’t have lessened our loss.
May all of the people affected by the catastrophe find moments of joy and gratitude.
the fires are traumatizing to us in California. Thank you for this posting---I read it and cried--I've cried several times in the last few weeks--usually when I read about neighbors and communities helping one another.
I read it and cried, too. This devastating series of events has inspired concern and compassion across the country.
Through my life, I've thought about what I would take with me if I could never return. I want to be able to walk out my door with nothing except my wallet and medication. Thankfully, I don't take any medication upon which my daily life depends. I suppose I can't know for a fact what I would try to take unless I was put in that position. I probably won't be, but I still think about it.
This also makes me think about hurricane Katrina. When I heard the stories about people who would not leave their pet behind on the roof to die, I thought hard about that, too. I have no spouse or children depending on me. I hoped that I could not have left my beloved Daisy on a rooftop to die.
Once again, I don't know for sure what I would do, but I do know who I would want to be.
Thank you, Amy, for stopping me for a bit today to think about it again.
I loved reading Cari Lynn’s essay. I’ve been worrying over friends and former coworkers in the path of the LA fires since they started. Praying (and sending my best intentions out into the universe, just to cover all bases) for theirs and others’ safety. A memory was jarred for me by the ‘outing’ of what was believed to be a family heirloom. On my mother’s death and the distribution of her worldly goods to be divided between me and my 3 siblings was a lovely pie server. It was white ceramic with what I believed was a hand painted flower design. I brought a pie to work one day (it escapes me for what occasion) and brought that beloved pie server. I told the story about how my grandparents had brought it from Russia upon their escape of persecution. One of the women asked to see it and I proudly handed it over for her inspection. She noticed something that I had never seen before, a stamp that said ‘Made in China.’ I don’t recall who told me that my grandparents schlepped it with them, I only know always believing it. I was mortified! I wasn’t sure if my coworkers thought I made up the tale about its origins or if they thought I was too ignorant to know the difference. Either way, I was so embarrassed! That said, I still have it and use it to this day because it is that pretty. Thanks for sharing your story, Cari Lynn; and as always, thank you Amy for the opportunity to read your wonderful writing.
Randi -- I appreciated the central truth of Cari's essay, too -- that the things we carry are really placeholders for the collective memory. (I'm so happy you are part of my own history!)
I've always felt the truth of this, but worried that I was over-do uplifting, making excuses. What we need to do is write our stories, and what we remember from previous generation's stories, and pass them along to our next generations. Really enjoyed this. Thank you.
❤️
Thank you for sharing this beautifully written reflection
The letting go of things and the keeping of memories is how I try to live my life now. Retired sold most everything and traveling the USA for as long as able. My heart breaks for all the natural disasters that are happening (from the Tampa/St Pete area of FL). So many people have lost not just things but their homes and in some cases their hope. Unfortunately CA was the one state we were hoping to fully explore when we retired however, it seems so risky now and so much has changed. Love your newsletter.
I really respect your choice to divest of possessions and spend your time exploring. Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter!
Wonderful read! I noticed that in the picture of the strainer, there are 2 candles next to it in pretty candle stick holders that are inlaid with blue glass. I have an identical set that I have owned for many years. Small world! 🌎
A timely reminder as I photograph my storied hand-me-downs. I've been writing brief history's of the items once belonging to parents, grand-parents and greats. I plan to offer the items and their stories to my children and grandchildren. What items they may not choose will be easier to donate because the people, places, and events have been heard.