As some of you know, Colorado Springs is on fire. I write this post with a heavy heart because as I see picture after picture of burning houses, I recognize the landmarks of my childhood, and I wonder when all of this destruction will stop.
We don’t know if my house will be spared. We do know that several houses on my block have caught on fire in the last 24 hours. The fire is still out-of-control.
Many people have said, “You can always rebuild houses. You can’t replace people.”
And this, to a certain extent, is true.
My family has lost three family members in the last year, and I think we all agree we’d lose a million houses to get them back with us.
But as I process these pictures, my chest tightens and tears flood my eyes. Because these aren’t just burned and charred houses. They are homes.
And homes are where we build our lives. They are where we share the most intimate moments. They are where we bear our deepest insecurities. Homes are the places we watch our children grow. Homes are also places we watch our loved ones die.
In our homes, we express our unique perspective of the world. We pick colors and fabrics. We line our shelves with the books that have spoken truth into our lives. We store away the china handed down by our parents and grandparents. We keep notes from our high school sweethearts in boxes under beds.
I remember walking down the stairs of my parent’s home on my wedding day.
I remember crying with my mom in the living room after I had broken my heart one too many times.
I remember laughing hysterically with my entire family (all my sisters, alive and well) as we played games and celebrated the new year.
I remember holding Halley when she was just a few days old.
I remember the flowers that lined my father’s front yard. The blooms he was so proud of. He’d barely let us get out of the car before taking us to his favorites lining the sidewalk.
And I remember learning how to bake in my mother’s kitchen. I know the layout of that kitchen like the back of my hand, and I can hardly believe that it might be forever gone.
And so while I understand that human life is precious, I also think we must recognize how hard it can be to lose your sanctuary to such a violent storm. I’m grieving, my family is grieving, and I know Colorado Springs is grieving.
When I learned last year about my sister’s car accident, the first thing I wanted to do was to go home. And now my safe-place might be gone. This is a hard thing to understand. This is a hard thing to bear.
My entire family.
I don’t even know what to say. I can’t even imagine how hard this is. Know that I’m thinking of you.
Monet, I have been having thoughts so similar to this post as I’ve been watching the news. It’s so easy to say it’s all just stuff, but at the end of the day, it’s that “stuff” that makes us comfortable, that holds our memories, that helps us define what otherwise might be intangible. Of course you are in my thoughts and I am hoping with my whole heat that your family will not be left with nothing. Please keep us all posted as I know I’m not the only person out here who has you and your family in my thoughts.
Oh, Monet. My heart has been breaking for your and your family. Please know I’m holding you all close in my heart, thinking of each and every one of you and hoping for the best for your beautiful home full of all the memories you’ve made.
My thoughts are with you and your family, Monet. Every good wish sent directly your way and to Colorado Springs!
Monet,
So well put and beautifully expressed.
Love you, girl.
Monet, my thoughts are with you and your family. We considered retiring to Colorado Springs since we love the city, and know how beautiful it is. What a tragedy for the area…
sweet bella my heart weeps – not a moment has passed that you and your beautiful family have not been in my thoughts and prayers. Sending every ounce of love within me through these lines
This is so heartbreaking. I was upset enough when my parents sold my childhood home. The threat of a fire, I can’t even imagine. I am so sorry you have to deal with this. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Monet,
You and your family are in my heart and prayers. I will be praying for all of your family, and for strength.
Oh, Monet. My heart is in pieces for you. Hold on to those memories, and rely on your faith and your family. I continue to keep you all in my prayers.
Monet….
I pray that all your family is safe…and beyond that, I pray that whatever happens ….something good comes from it. I live in San Diego and as you might be aware there have been fires here like Colorado’s…where many lost their homes. I even have a close friend who lost hers (to a freak fire) and shared with her the grieving process..and the rebuilding of her beautiful new home. I so wish I could “go thru it for you”…. if you need anything I might be able to help with (though my $$ is limited)…if I can help some how…let me know.
Many blessings to you…..
Sending love and prayers
I am happy to hear that your family’s home has been spared so far…and will continue to keep you and yours in my prayers that all turns out well! I totally understand what you’re saying: you’re thankful that your parents are safely evacuated, but the cherished memories of a home are part of the fabric of our families too. Please keep us updated…and feel all the love, positive energy, and support coming your way. Please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail if you need to talk, ok?!?!?
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Monet. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through, just … *hugs* xx
Dear Monet:
My heart goes out to you and your family. When I think of home, it’s where I grew up. I want it to always be there. It’s such a huge fire and I cannot imagine the fear and trepidation of those in the path as they await news.
Thinking of you with hope.
Best,
Bonnie
(((Monet))) Am keeping your family and all others affected by the fires in my prayers.
I’ve been following the fires with online friends, and it’s just horrifying. We’ve definitely had wildfires to watch in California, so I have some inkling how it feels. I hope your family is all well and that your home stays safe.
Monet,
I’ve been watching these fires as well and feeling a sadness in my heart for all that live there. Scott and I lived in the Springs for three years and, even though we no longer have a home there, we have memories that are now fresh in my mind as I watch the fires surround our old neighborhood. I’ll be thinking about you and your family as well as all the other families and homes and be sending prayers up that they are able to contain it quickly and without further damage.
Oh, Monet. What a sad sight. I truly hope your home is spared. Once again you and your family are in my thoughts.
Oh, Monet. I’ve been watching this tragedy unfold, too … and I find it hard to breathe. Sending love to you and your family, and prayers that this ends soon, for everyone. You’re right about homes. They represent so much more than the stuff they’re made of. *hugs* to you.
Sweet Monet, your family is very much in my thoughts and prayers tonight. ~HUGS~
Thinking of you Monet and totally agree, a house is not just a house. It is a home. I hope your home survives the fire and feel strongly for all those who aren’t as lucky.
It’s so difficult to watch these fires spread. I do hope that your family’s home is spared, but I’m very grateful that the people in your family have been evacuated and are safe. Keep your head up, my friend. Sending love to you and your family!
My heart goes out to you & your family, Monet. May you all be safe, may your family home be safe, may your neighbors be safe.
Pictures and stories like these absolutely break my heart. I’ve been thinking of you each time I hear about the fires, and am keeping you, your family and all in Colorado Springs in my prayers.
Oh, I hope your family home is spared…thinking of you and yours.
Oh Monet how truly tragic! Hope the situation resolves itself soon. My thoughts are with you right now.
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Hi Monet! How are you? I have a very random question. The second picture in this article of the view of the neighborhood that is gone, I was wondering where you found it. I am actually the one that took that picture! I am honored that you used it in your blog, and interested in how it was getting around. I’m not mad, actually I think it’s pretty cool that people are seeing it. Anyways, thanks for sharing and I hope that you had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday! 🙂
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