Posted by Ryan | Posted in fire | Posted on 27-11-2009
Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and I’ve been reading posts by a lot of friends and family about what they’re thankful for, so I thought I’d do one too. Although it feels “off” to list only the good stuff, when in reality my family is still very much in the middle of a bunch of crap. So, in the spirit of not tarnishing reality, I’ve decided to do a duality column:
| Thankful for: | Resentful of: |
|---|---|
| family not burning up | house burned up |
| cute yellow rental house roof over our head | lost all our equity |
| digital pictures, some jewelry, a guitar saved | everything else burned up |
| get to buy new stuff | having to buy new stuff |
| having insurance | not having enough insurance |
| strong and capable body and mind | dealing with a mild case of depression |
| amazing wife who makes me better | wife being sad about losing her cat |
| family, friends, and community that want to help | dealing with insurance company sucks |
| donations | being in need |
| resources available for us to rebuild | the grueling, detailed, costly process of jumping through all the hoops and lining up all the ducks |
Don’t let my petty whining give you the wrong picture. I’m well aware of how extremely fortunate I am. Not just to have come out of our ordeal mostly intact, but to have been born into circumstance that can only be considered privileged relative to the rest of the world. I have access to communication tools that allow me to read news and consume media to keep me educated and informed. Did I say I can read? I’m able to stand in the shower and let warm water run over my body, on a daily basis. I don’t have to worry about a marauding army pillaging and destroying our lives. I have a job, income, a car, and access to stores where I can pretty much buy anything my family needs. I can walk, run, see, hear, smell, touch. I have instruments, clothes, tools, and skills. Unless struck by some unfortunate accident, I should live a long life with my two beautiful girls.
Speaking of, I have the most wonderful daughter, who constantly reminds me that nothing is very important next to family and friends. And I have a wife who “gets” me, stands next to me, challenges me, and enthralls me.
I’m more fortunate that many people, some far off and some right here in Juneau. It’s actually a bit embarrassing.
Ryan, we give thanks for having you, Laura, and Meadow in our lives. We are enriched beyond belief. No one would ever have wished this tragedy on such an incredibly wonderful family. There is a saying, “These things, too, shall pass.” Wish we could make them pass sooner than at this ugly snail’s pace.
thanks Eve… you are a sweetheart!