Rescuing the Important

A theme has pervaded the reports and interviews arising out of the rash of fires around our country. Although the devastation of losing property and personal belongings is very real and very stressful, a frequent response reveals several things that identify what really counts.

Family – the lives of family members figures high on the list. Even if much else is lost the value of family rises above it.

Friends – the care and help of friends who put themselves out for the unfortunate rates very high on the list of what was meaningful. The bonds of friendship are strong in times like this.

Memories – items we possess that cannot be replaced by money or insurance are often among the things rescued first. Life is so wrapped up in memories triggered by items we cherish.

It’s almost as though the fire has burned away some of the hard feelings and bad memories we’ve harbored against others. We must not trivialize material loss, but perhaps this is a sunny side to tragedy.

Henry Wiebe