Flames and Heroes

Whenever there is a fire burning near us, I have this incredible urge to go and help fight it. It sounds strange I know. Maybe it’s because my mom did it when she was younger, maybe it’s my adventuresome side that is intrigued by natural disasters, maybe it comes from watching to many old western’s that depict the whole family out on the fire-line smothering the raging monster with wet gunny sacks and buckets of water. I don’t know what intrigues me, but something does. I always think that someday if and when I get the chance to fight a fire, I probably won’t find it as “enjoyable” as I imagine it would be. But that still doesn't quell the thought that often pops into my head "I wonder if they take volunteers?"
Yesterday my brother-in-law got to live my dream. A wild fire started, threatening areas of Santa Clarita that many of us would have assumed were completely out of danger. Mark is a deputy with the Sherriffs department and all last night his assignment was to evacuate people out of unsafe neighborhoods, the whole time stamping out little fires that were popping up all around. When my sister told us that last night I voiced the first thing that popped into my head “well, I missed my chance! I should have gone to work with Mark today!” My husbands response was to hold me in my chair as if I was about to bolt for the door. My sister response was just as comical, she looked at me with a very confused look on her face and said “are you serious?” Of course I wasn’t…completely. But, part of me really wanted to get in on the action!! At the same time, I know that sick, tired, pregnant little me would not have lasted even a fraction of the time that Mark did, he worked from 1:30pm yesterday afternoon until 6:00a.m. this morning. So, right now Mark is my hero. He and all the other cops and fire-fighters (one of whom I know) that are working tirelessly right now. To them it’s their job, to the thousands of people they’re protecting, it’s a sacrifice I hope they’re thankful for. My sister is also my hero, she was among those evacuated and handled it all so calmly as she later explained to us of the danger her husband could possibly be in, and how close her home came to going up in smoke. It’s obvious she has left her love (Mark) and her worldly possessions, in the Lord’s hand’s and trusts HIM to care for them, and for her and Alicia. You can read Terah’s side of the story, and look at pictures, on her blog http://www.arrowsinthequiver.blogspot.com/.
Please pray for Mark and Terah, please also pray for the law enforcement personnel and firefighters that are working tirelessly to protect our city.


This picture was taken today by a good friend Mrs Stitzinger. She was so sweet and kind to open her home to Mark, Terah and Alicia. Today is Mark and Terah's second anniversary.