by writer with heart, Karen Leslie
For many Venturians, the morning wake up alarm in the wee hours on Monday
wasn’t with a yawn at dawn and the smell of coffee. Instead, in a state of shock and disbelief,
they were yanked out of their dream state into a nightmare. With eyes burning, lungs filled with
smoke and terror abound, the core and foundations of not only their homes were shaken, but for
many, life as they knew it had been turned to ashes. With just enough time to grab a child, they
were escorted out of harm’s way by our hard working police officers and firemen and taken to
safe havens.
Still days later, many evacuees cannot return to their homes that still stand and
some families can only revisit what was left of their lives. Even in the darkness of the soul moments,
a rising up of the human spirit becomes palatable, resilient, tenacious and strong!
With new eyes of insight, we realize happiness cannot be bought or worn and that it is enough
that lives were saved. With hearts overflowing, we reflect and rebuild new foundations with
gratitude and compassion for our fellow human beings.
Together, we stood in the eye of the storm with open hands for the good of all and our community.
Because when it is all said and done, it is about the love of friends, neighbors and family that matter most.
Our Ventura cup runneth over!
