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Other kids get snow days. We get freaking wildfire days and it's impossible to fully enjoy the break from school knowing that, just 5 miles away, there are sheets of pellucid flames tearing down the 405. My Hebrew school has suffered fire damage. The Getty has too. All my friends have either evacuated or are alert, ready to run at a moment's notice. We've packed bags, for the just-in-case. The worst that happens is that we'll have to unpack next week.
The world smells like smoke. The sky is dusty, thick with ash as if it's a photo under a glass sheet covered in grime. It feels almost as if I could reach out and swipe my finger across it, wipe away the gross and muck and make it blue again. It's like seeing through mosquito netting, in tiny broken parcels, and I'm itching to tear it off.
This is scary. So, so, scary. I've heard about the other fires before, in the newspaper and on TV, but never quite so close. In the news footage, I recognize those streets, these buildings, the arc of that hillside. This is my home, and it's burning. When will it end?
My friend called me yesterday, crying. Her house is in the zone where the fire is projected to spread at the current rate and they were ordered to evacuate. Fortunately, the fire has not crossed the 405. Her house is safe.
Our family is currently far enough away from the flames that most of my worry is for others. This is terrifying and many aren't as lucky as I am and have been. Please pray or keep in your thoughts those affected by the Skirball, Thomas, Napa, and other fires.
Stay safe, Abigail S. We are thinking of you, your friends, and all those affected by these terrible fires in your beautiful home state. It may feel like it will never happen, but the fires will come to an end.
-Admin
submitted by Abigail S., age 13, Nose in a Book
(December 7, 2017 - 12:24 pm)
(December 7, 2017 - 12:24 pm)
Oh Abi.
I'm so sorry. I know those words are empty and mostly meaningless, especially after everyone's repeated them over and over.
I wish I could give you more.
I wish I could make it stop. I wish I could take it away.
I don't know what to say, really. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I can't imagine what it would be like to have your home burning. The sky filled with ash smoke. No knowing when it's going to end. Worried sick every day about those you love. No--I can imagine. And it's awful. But I can't know.
But I can pray. It's the most I can do. And I will.
Stay safe. You'll all be in my prayers. <3
(December 11, 2017 - 10:48 am)
I live far enough from the smoke to not get affected, but I understand how you feel. My big sister is at college near the fire and they had to cancel school for her since the smoke became to much. She's coming home today.
I truly hope it gets better for you and your friends and family.
(December 11, 2017 - 1:02 pm)
I'm so sorry. That's beyond scary, and I hope you and your loved ones stay safe. *virtual hug* (I know the words "virtual hug" on a computer screen are sometimes hard to find emotion behind, so just close your eyes and imagine a cloud of blankets and books and ice cream (if you don't like ice cream, think of something else) wrapping around you. We love you, Abigail.)
(December 12, 2017 - 7:21 pm)
I'm sorry Abigail.
I know those words don't really mean anything, but there is nothing else that I can say. I could say other things, but none of them would be any better. So I'll just say that I'm sorry. Stay safe, and know that I am praying for you, your friends, and everyone else affected by these awfull fires.
~Satin <3
(December 15, 2017 - 11:54 am)
Abi, I know that nothing I say will be enough to make you feel better, and I'm so sorry for that. I really hope that things will begin to get better for you and everyone else in California very soon, and I will keep you in my thoughts. Stay strong Abi, be there for your friends and family and don't ever give up hope.
(December 17, 2017 - 4:24 pm)