As a native Californian, having spent my youth in the southern part of the state, I have seen and lived through two major fires. I remember watching the planes drop orange retardant on the flames burning a hillside only miles from my home.
Those scant memories all came flooding back last week as our beautiful county endured the heartbreaking loss of life, property and livelihood. This time around though, I was the parent telling my kids that it was going to be OK.
I was the one instructing them to pack overnight bags and things that are important to them, to be ready to flee in the middle of the night if the emergency phone call came in or there was a knock at the door. We hunkered down and waited as a family to see what our future held.
In the aftermath of any natural disaster, stories of heroism always shine through. The human spirit is a magical thing, unbreakable and strong. It’s those stories that make you thankful for your family, friends and neighbors.
And in this particular tragedy, I got to see a new side of my two teenagers. I saw resilience, strength and courage. They have never endured anything of this magnitude during their lifetime. They have never seen such destruction and loss. They each know several people, old and new classmates that have lost everything. Their old high school is in ruins among many familiar landscapes that will forever be changed. They stayed positive and were ready to help at any time or anyone that needed it. They truly let their “teen spirit” shine through.
After the chaos subsided, I took the time to look through what my teens had brought from their rooms to try and save. They both had packed a bag of clothes, but two things surprised me. The first was my son’s guitar. When I asked why he brought it downstairs he said he wanted to bring it to evacuation centers so he could play music for everyone to lighten the mood. I thought that was pretty cool.
The second thing that surprised me was a stuffed animal my daughter had put in her bag. She has had it since she was a baby and it still resides on her bed. It must comfort her still, even as a teenager, and it reminded me that even though they look like young adults, they still really are kids. Kids that need assurance that no matter what, their family will be ok and material things can always be replaced.
It’s been an emotional week, I still feel like we are on the roller coaster. I have cried off and on for days in front of my teens. They have comforted me, not just with their words but their ability to always see the positive. It’s that teenage brain and naivety that doesn’t allow them to panic like an adult.
This week that quality really helped ease the discomfort. They were troopers, their best selves shone through during this crazy time and for that I will always be grateful.
Sonoma County, you are amazing. To every sign made by hand dropped off at fire stations, people donating clothes and their time to shelters. It’s just proof that together human kindness and compassion is still at the forefront of human instinct.
Our beautiful place we call home will one day soon rebound and we will be stronger and closer as a community because of it. My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to each and everyone affected by these fires.
Let this remind us of what’s really important; our families. I hope this tragedy has brought you all closer and restored a sense of love and appreciation for each other. I know it has for my family, and I will always remind myself of how proud I am of my teenagers.
Elizabeth Knobel lives in Windsor and is the mother of two teens who give her inspiration everyday. She can reached at el*********@ms*.com.
