~ Grateful ~
- posted by: Cheryl
- posted in: Uncategorized
- on: October 29, 2007
Stephenie blogged a couple of days ago talking about being grateful. I just want to reiterate that. I am grateful too for the friendship I have with Stephenie. She has been a loving and supportive friend and I’m grateful for her.
Grate ful
Pronunciation: \’grat-fel Function: Adjective
1 a: appreciative of benefits received b: expressing gratitude/thanks
2 a: affording pleasure or contentment: pleasing b: Pleasing by reason of comfort or discomfort alleviated
Yes, I am grateful. While Thanksgiving is just around the corner, every day should be a day that we count our blessings. I have so much to be thankful for. I want to thank many of you who called, emailed, prayed and kept myself, family, friends, neighborhood, and the area of Southern California in your thoughts and prayers during the fire storms. It meant so much and I am grateful for you! Thankful for you!
Our fire and law enforcement personnel are still working hard to protect many but they are gaining on the fires. The Santiago Fire (near us) is now 40% contained. There is still a lot of smoke and still a warning in our area but a lot of ground gained by firefighters. I am continuing to keep victims and personnel fighting the fire in my thoughts and prayers.
While the fire came very very close, we are now back in our home. Basically across the street is where they were able to stop the fire. It’s nice to be home and on Thursday night we were able to sleep in our own beds. I feel for those who don’t have a home to go home to or have even lost family members. The fire in this area, the Santiago fire was started by an arson and it’s unbelievable to see how someone could get pleasure out of seeing such devastation. While there is devastation, loss, fear, hurt and so much more . . . the fires (all of them) have allowed people to band together and it has been awesome to see the way people have reached out to folks in need. I want to share a short story shown on a news show a couple of days ago. Warning . . . tears may fall. I wish I had a link for you.
There was a family that returned to the location of where the home used to stand. It was burned to the ground. The news camera was filming them. (Sometimes I think that the media should give individuals their space but in this case the news crew caught a moment on tape that will be long remembered). The family stood in disbelief at the ruins that were left of their home. They were doing okay as they hugged and comforted each other and just looked on. Then they started to walk around. They went over to an area where their mailbox still stood (a bit of distance from their home). There sat a blanket wrapped neatly with something in it. It was almost like a wrapped gift. The family uncovered what was in the blanket. Someone (maybe a fireman, policeman, neighbor) had taken the photos off the family’s walls and wrapped them neatly in the blanket. They were untouched and unharmed despite the devastation around them. The family began to weep (understandably). Talk about a gift . . . an act of unselfishness and thoughtfulness.
These are the things I’m talking about. The good in people . . . the sacrifice . . . the unselfish acts . . . the reaching out. Even at a time like this friendships are being built, love is being shown and lives are being changed.
I’m also grateful that I will be meeting many of you in San Antonio. I can’t wait to do so. It’s a highlight of my year and this event is going to be a blast!
Photos, scrapbooking, children, those that sacrifice, Fiskateers, friends, family, faith, memories, life, . . . they are all a gift and one that I am very grateful for!
Janet says:
October 29th, 2007 at 8:06 pmThanks for sharing! So happy you and your loved ones are safe and back home again.
MichelleO says:
October 29th, 2007 at 8:31 pmOh my, it was an wonderful person that took the time to spare the family photos, one that didn’t need credit in doing so- a true angel. I am so happy that you are home and safe.
Christine Cleary #2264 says:
October 29th, 2007 at 8:35 pmWow, I can’t believe how thoughtful some people can be, even in the most challenging circumstances. I am glad you are Ok and you are now home. Lets hope that they can put them out completely soon.
Maursie says:
October 29th, 2007 at 8:42 pmWOW - I could not even imagine what you are going through. Thankyou for sharing and what a beautiful act for that devastated family. Hopefully this little bit of kindness helps them to cope a little better and move forward.
Cheers
Maursie xoxo
Heather the Mooselover says:
October 29th, 2007 at 8:46 pmThanks for warning us it was a tearjerker. I’m sure that family will cherish those photographs that were saved.
Mary Mc says:
October 29th, 2007 at 8:47 pmOh Cheryl so glad your all home safe and sound! Thanks so much for your email earlier hehe you have to have sore fingers responding to everyone…And we have to remember to be grateful for what we have…not what we dont have…Live life to the fullest never know when its going to end!
Jackie Baxted says:
October 29th, 2007 at 8:48 pmCheryl: You are right, this post brings me to tears.
Sometimes we forget how a little thought or action can be the thing that brightens a person’s life.
What a wonderful post.
Merlene says:
October 29th, 2007 at 8:49 pmWell said Cheryl. Thank you for sharing and my thoughts and prayers for all concerned. We all need to stop and consider our Blessings every day!
Wendy Jo says:
October 29th, 2007 at 9:14 pmI heard that touching story here on the east coast last week. May stories like this help your community grow and heal quickly. Hugs from across the miles.
Tara #1021 says:
October 29th, 2007 at 9:14 pmCheryl,
Welcome Home!!! It is good to know your home is standing! Do you have any smoke damage?
Patti Smith says:
October 29th, 2007 at 9:14 pmThank you so much for sharing that wonderful story in the midst of something so terrible.I am so glad you and your family are okay and I’m looking so, so forward to meeting you.
Kriss says:
October 29th, 2007 at 9:22 pmTears and chills. Amazing…that during such trying times and the hard work to save lives and homes, someone took the time to save valuable memories for a family. Wow.
Amy v (1295) says:
October 29th, 2007 at 9:24 pmWow - what a great thing for that family - some salvation in the midst of the devastation.
Glad you are home safe and sound!
Carlee #2225 says:
October 29th, 2007 at 9:28 pmGlad to hear that you are safe at home again. That was a very touching story that you shared…and indeed, tears fell. What a nice gesture in saving those photos for that family.
Elena says:
October 29th, 2007 at 9:47 pmok, you got me on this one! totally shed a tear. beautiful story. I saw on the news that firefighters were salvaging what they could in the homes that were just too far gone to fight for. so sad…
Lisa M. Pace says:
October 29th, 2007 at 9:47 pmI am so glad you and your family all home safe and sound. Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming moment. I look forward to seeing you this weekend.
Stephanie says:
October 29th, 2007 at 10:17 pmTher a many instances of similar things happening during these terrible events (the fire storm). Here in San diego one of the reports told of seeing a firefighter return to a home they knew they could not save. He removed several boxes of items from one of the rooms. The boxes survived, the house did not. In the boxes were important papers, photos, and memorablia. I am thankful for the giving atitude of all the vollunteers, firefighters, and police officers!
Lynn says:
October 29th, 2007 at 10:33 pmThanks for sharing your thoughts and that heart-warming story. Yes, the tears fell amid a smile. Isn’t it amazing how such kindness and unselfishness can come in such a time of fear and disbelief? I am grateful that you and many others were spared and my heart goes out to everyone! Hugs~
Mary says:
October 29th, 2007 at 10:38 pmSO glad you’re safe and back home! It’s horrible to see the devastation, but it’s so great to hear about the goodness that is being spread/shared by people, including the emergency personnel. The story you shared about the family is very touching, it’s good to know there are kind people out there!!! Again, still saying my prayers, but glad to know you’re home and safe!!
Jennifer #1626 says:
October 29th, 2007 at 11:00 pmGood to hear that you, your family, and your home are safe and sound. Grateful is defintely the word for it. I remember the Oakland Hills fire up, how it hit some and missed others. Looking forward to meeting you in San Antonio, too!
Betsy says:
October 29th, 2007 at 11:54 pmOh my goodness…. I am sitting here crying at the thoughtfullness of some person! I am thankful that you and your family are home safe and sound!
NANCY says:
October 30th, 2007 at 12:00 amSO GLAD TO HEAR YOUR HOME SAFE & SOUND! I SAW THAT PARTICULAR STORY ON THE NEWS YES, IT WAS VERY MOVING!
Amyre says:
October 30th, 2007 at 1:32 amGlad that you and your family are safe at home. What a touching story, it really puts life back into perspective.
arlsmom Lynda #1749 says:
October 30th, 2007 at 1:38 amAmazing stories Cheryl…so glad you are all safe. Thank you for sharing so much of this with us.
See you in SA!
Bonnie says:
October 30th, 2007 at 2:57 amso glad to hear that you & your family are safe!!! we all have so much to be grateful for - thanks for reminding us!!!
Amy says:
October 30th, 2007 at 3:03 amHi Cheryl!
Thanks for the reminder of being grateful! It’s so true! It’s hard when we live in a world we’re in “go, go go mode”, but I try to live every day as if there is no tomorrow. Treasure every minute with your children, spouse, friends and loved ones because you just never know what tomorrow brings. God gives us today and time is precious commodity indeed!
I can’t wait to meet you! I look forward to sharing the same values.
Faye Marie Warriner says:
October 30th, 2007 at 3:55 amCheryl, Thank God you are home and that your house was not destroyed. My prayers are with all who are dealing with this terrible fire
Hugs
Faye
Jacinta says:
October 30th, 2007 at 5:18 amCheryl,
I am grateful that your family and home are fine. Thanksgiving comes early this year for you and so many in your area. I will continue praying that the blessing keep coming.
Debbie Buckland fiskateer #352 says:
October 30th, 2007 at 5:26 amwow! what a story! Great to hear good has come out of bad.
My prayers are for all those who have lost their homes.
Vera says:
October 30th, 2007 at 6:25 amCheryl, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your fellow neighbors. It’s amazing what happened…so GRATEFUL that you and your family are safe. HUGS!
doverdi says:
October 30th, 2007 at 7:04 amI am so happy to hear that you are back home safe & sound. I was so thrilled to hear that your home was safe. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what you, your neighbors, etc have been going through. Having a BF who lost her home & everything in it to a fire and having helped her dig through the rubble, it is very hard to deal with. The most difficult is the lost of photo’s & keepsakes. How thoughtful of those firefighters to save those precious items for the family.
Take care of yourself & know that we are all thinking of you & your family and so glad you are all safe.
stephenie says:
October 30th, 2007 at 7:21 amCheryl,
I am so grateful that you are my friend, too. I am so relieved to know you are safe and that you are back home. These stories have been difficult and remind me of all the things I am thankful for. I can’t wait to see you this weekend and I wish you a safe journey.
Sandy Wilkins says:
October 30th, 2007 at 9:20 amI am so glad to hear that you are back in your own home, safe and sound. Thanks for sharing such a heartfelt story.
Vanessa says:
October 30th, 2007 at 10:20 amFirst of all, I want to say that I am so glad that you and your family are safe.
That news story sent chills up my spine and goose bumps all over. THere are not many people in this day and age that go that extra mile anymore and it fills my heart with joy to hear things like that.
Thank you for sharing and keeping us up to date!
Sarah Fravel says:
October 30th, 2007 at 10:39 amI just started a gratitude journal about a week ago. Each morning during my quiet time I take a few minutes to write the things for which I am grateful. It is a good exercise, especially on those days when I’m not sure that I’m grateful for much of anything!
I know that you, Cheryl, and lots of others in SoCal right now have little tiny things to be grateful…like sleeping in your own beds…which now seem like really really BIG things…and they ARE! Blessings! –Sarah
Tami #804 says:
October 30th, 2007 at 10:50 amCheryl, I understand the grateful feelings you are talking about. We returned home Sunday night. There are so many in my community who don’t have that luxury. At the post office yesterday, there were 2 families who lost everything and we know of many others. It’s very humbling.
melita says:
October 30th, 2007 at 11:23 amSo glad that you and your family are safe and back at home. Everyone in my family got to go home as well. The story about the photos…well, there aren’t enough words to express what I am feeling. How wonderful! TFS Cheryl!
Naomi says:
October 30th, 2007 at 12:03 pmCheryl I am so glad to hear you and your family are back home and have your home to go home to. I have seen hundreds of photos of this fire and watched numerous hours of the news. When Evelyn and I drove through Portola Hills on Saturday morning we saw all the thank you signs. It was amazing. My dad was a firefighter and worked his share of brush fires on the ground and in the air. It’s not an easy task and very tiresome and it makes my heart happy when you hear about awesome acts of kindness for those affected by the fires and to those fighting the fires. I could go on and on but won’t. I am thankful you and my other friends were able to return home. and also thankful the fire is closer to containment.
Have fun in San Antonio and hope to see you soon.
Mary Wulf says:
October 30th, 2007 at 12:27 pmMy husband is in the National Guard and was out fighting those fires, particulary in the Ramona and El Cajon area and said a lot of people had thanks to give to those fire fighters. He himself was doing water drops from his blackhawk and I am grateful, he came back home safe every night. I’m glad you didn’t lose your home and we all have a lot to be thankful for even if we weren’t affected by the fires.
Sandi says:
October 30th, 2007 at 1:36 pmWhat a wonderful gift to find in the middle of finding your home in ashes. I was told if the fire is not out of control. One firefighter will go around and try and find albums in the closet by the front door if nothing is there the will take photos off the walls and tables.
Mardi says:
October 30th, 2007 at 5:07 pmI know how I miss my own bed when we go on vacation…but I can’t even imagine how wonderful your bed felt to you after coming home from the fires.!
Allison #2073 says:
October 30th, 2007 at 5:10 pmIt is so good to hear you and your family are home safe and sound!
Wow, that story did make tears come to my eyes.
Shirley says:
October 30th, 2007 at 6:06 pmCheryl, thank you for this heartwarming story. I did not see that on the news, but since one of the two evacuation centers in the county was at the high school only a block away from us, we also heard other heartwarming stories. The people were just so grateful to have their loved ones safe, even though they lost all their material things and memories. What constantly amazes me, is the hope that people have at times like these. Right after 9/11 came along, people forgot about all the things they would ordinarily be concerned or upset with and just banned together, trying to pull together to do whatever they coud to help others, and people were so grateful for what they could get. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if we did that all the time?
Amy G. #1803 says:
October 30th, 2007 at 10:07 pmCheryl, I get the chills just thinking about how close you came to losing your home. I’m so glad to know that you are all safe and hopefully will continue to be. We still have the firemen and policemen and anyone else helping or suffering from this devastation in our prayers and thoughts. I agree that it’s terrifying to think that someone could do such devastation and enjoy it. We will continue to pray for you and your family and all over there suffering one way or another.
That story about the pictures is definitely bittersweet. How thoughtful for someone to do that and not claim responsibility. It’s nice to know that with some horrible people in the world, there are angels out there too.
mariah says:
October 30th, 2007 at 11:33 pmthat sure is a touching story,so glad your ok,
Valerie Williams says:
October 31st, 2007 at 1:26 amThat was quite a story. Glad your at home now and soon be off to Texas. Have a safe trip.
Carrie #1172 says:
October 31st, 2007 at 7:48 amLovely post. A reminder to us all of what really matters.
Deborah says:
November 1st, 2007 at 1:06 amIt is so nice to know that people do still care in a world that sometimes we do not see that in. How precious of a gift he or she gave to this family. I wish nothing but the best for eveyrone as they go through these challenges in life. Good things always come from the bad, sounds like this no exception.
Deborah
Kathleen says:
November 1st, 2007 at 1:42 amCheryl I am so happy you are back home safe and sound. This is a great reminder that we do need to stop and count our blessings everyday. It will be wonderful to see you in Texas.
Julie Overby says:
November 1st, 2007 at 10:47 amThank you for sharing this Cheryl. It’s a super great reminder of how grateful we should be of the people in our lives. See ya soon!
Leslie Lieberman # 397 says:
November 4th, 2007 at 4:05 pmWow Cheryl! I remember reading about that story. It too touched my heart. Thanks for sharing your story. I am so glad to hear that you and your family are safe and doing well. I hope you had a wonderful time in TX with the Fab 51 Fiskateers. Big hug goes out to you and your family - If a fire ever gets close (god forbid) to our home again, my home is a welcome haven with open arms for you and your family. I just live in Aliso Viejo.