Last night on the news the lead story on every major channel was about the fire moving toward Wrightwood. Auntie Tia, Uncle Bob, Larry and Wendy who just passed away on Wednesday all live there! My parents are there with them now comforting Auntie and helping with the funeral arrangements.
Even though it was 11:30pm, I called my mom and dad's cell and asked if they were all right. They had no idea the fire had moved so close and was as bad as it was. They knew about it earlier in the afternoon, but it was little then and right off the I15 by Lytle Creek. They convinced me they were all fine and we hung up with me apologizing for it being so late.
15 minutes later, Grandpa called back letting me know he had just talked with the fire emergency personnel and they were on standby for evacuation!!! They were all packing their cars and Auntie Tia's truck with as much as they could get in them as we spoke.
As if they needed one more thing on their plate with Wendy dying a few days ago!
The next phone call I got was at 3am letting me know they had a mandatory evacuation order. They were all headed to Phelan to a ward building hoping for the order to be lifted quickly. Not to be. At 7am I got a call that the police would let them back in to pick up some of Uncle Bob's diabetic medications and then they had to leave. Because of his dementia, he became VERY agitated so they had to stay a little longer with approval. Finally the knock on the door came to leave IMMEDIATELY. I got another call that they were on their way here.
They had to go back out to Phelan, up to Hesperia, and then down and around, but 2 hours later (!) they all arrived safely. After the morning session of conference, the kids and I knelt and prayed for Uncle Bob to be calm, and so far, so good. He sat on the family room couch all day. Darla took to him and he liked her! He had a good lunch, dinner, watched conference (which he really enjoyed) and then watched more movies. JT loved him too and since he's 6, he didn't really understand that Uncle Bob has this disease. When he left, he went up to Uncle B and gave him a big hug and kiss and Uncle B just held him and patted his back. So sweet.
So far the firefighters have held the line and the fire hasn't crossed over into the village, but it is right on the ridgeline ready to come down. The wind has died down and the temperature has dropped, but as of a few minutes ago the evacuation is still in place. We have Uncle Bob tucked in bed and they have all had a hot shower and clean clothes. They have been up for 24 hours with just a snooze here and there. We have to stay up until 11 so Auntie can give Uncle Bob his last insulation (oops, I mean INSULIN) shot. He will wake up, but she assures us he'll go right back to sleep. (okay--I'm tired. TeeHee.)
Kristin has more information on her blog, so click on her link and read it. She has some links for information. It is called the Sheep Fire.
5 comments:
Not to make light...but I got a kick out of your typo...INSULATION shot! I know you know it should be INSULIN, not INSULATION, but it just cracked me up. I guess we all need a good laugh after the week we've all been through! I will keep updating my blog as I can. Just added a few more pictures. I think we are in good hands though...their house is at the north end of town and the fire is near the south end of town. Sure, the town is small, but it sounds like they are really trying hard to save it. Glad you are able to help them out during this trying time! See you Wednesday. Give them all my best. I won't call so you can keep the lines open in case needed. Lisa can just update me and I'll pass it along to everyone.
Craziness! When it rains is pours. I am so glad they are safe and that you are all together. I pictured Sherry and Shelly sleeping in the bunks in Shaun's room and chuckled. If they are, take a picture!
Love to all of you!
Oh my goodness... thank goodness they could come there! It doesn't sound like Uncle Bob would have done very well on a gym floor somewhere!!! My mom was on evacuation watch up in Medford, Oregon last week. I tried to talk her into coming here, but no go:)
So glad to hear everyone is safe and sound with you. They are all very lucky to have been able to come and stay with you. You are very special! Give everyone my love, and hugs and kisses to all!
Love ya!
So this is going to be long. I have some stuff for Natalie. Baby bedding that is super cute with a matching changing table pad cover. It is from Aaron and in really nice condition. When your life settles down let me know and I will bring it by. I am really sorry about Wendy. I can't believe both you and Don lost first cousins in such a short span of each other. I am very sorry about your loss, but glad she is no longer suffering. My advice for speaking at a funeral. Just go by your heart and spirit. I wrote down a bunch of stuff and ended up not even looking at it. I said things I had not written and forgot to say a lot of what was. But it worked out how it should of. you will be great. THanks for being such a great person.
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