Life Changing Event

I found this on facebook, on the KTVN channel 2 news page.  It is written by a man named Royce Solberg.  I thought it was soooo well written that I wanted to keep it & share it.

It begins one day when we least expect it. A tragic event of great proportions, that impacts the lives of many.

This afternoon a fire broke out in the Washoe Valley area, around 12:30 in the afternoon.

After experiencing very high winds and erratic fire behavior, flames engulf everything in their path, destroying homes, and turning houses, and cars, as well as out buildings, into piles of burning ...and smoldering bits.

We see the reporters on television covering the events, and our hearts drop, as we feel a great deal of angst and compassion for those who have lost so much. Animals and human lives threatened by this fire's fury, are driven from their homes, as knocks on their doors advise them to leave, as they are in great danger if they stay. We see the grim remains of these once gorgeous homes in a serene setting, now fully engulfed, as residents flee from their life's dream, and investments.

We watch as well as fire personnel on scene,the rapid advance of the flames, and wonder what's next. A Press conference details the events that are transpiring, and watch those in shelters, glued to the T.V set, watch it with transfixed eyes, wondering if their house and animals will survive. Feeling helpless, some cry, and others comfort those who weep as another home is shown engulfed by this wildfire, now way out of control. Hour after hour, the residents of Washoe City continue to ask officials for conformation that their house is still standing.

The day transforms into dusk, and eventually into darkness. The eerie glow on the hilltop is discomforting for those in the wake of the advancing flames, and they too are overcome with fear, and uncertainty. The News reveals a count of acreage and homes lost, and eventually, a report of some progress, as the wildfire's forward advance has been stopped. We watch the forecasters as they give hope of wetting rains to snuff the embers, and hot spots, wondering if it will come soon enough to snuff this beast out. The winds die down, and become almost still, and we are told, folks that live in the area will not be allowed into their neighborhoods until the area is cleared. No one in shelters, or at friends and families houses, or hotel/motels sleeps, as they worry through the night, wondering if they are going to be lucky enough to find their home sill standing.

We know the rain and snow is coming, but not soon enough. There will be snow sometime soon, and those in the burn area will walk through the remains, to see the destruction, with a blanket of white snow, covering up the ugly scene, as if everything was made clean, and purified by its glistening cover.

Our hearts and prayers go out to those afflicted by this horrific event. We will keep you in mind, as we in this community come together once more, in the wake of another life changing event.