It has been a wild two weeks in our part of the country, weatherwise, between the end of last year (with temperatures almost hitting 83 degrees at the end of December) and the beginning of this one. Today, we have seen sleet, rain (mostly), snow, and the usual problems wintry precipitation prompts in this state. Hopefully, it will not be as bad as our all-time single-day storm record of nearly 13 inches of snow in February 2010. We rarely see snow (Texas is known for its yearly wicked summer heat), and the state power grid has often been ill-equipped to handle sub-freezing temperatures alongside wintry precipitation, resulting in severe (at times lethal) consequences for residents – be at home or driving. The roads will likely ice over tonight, and the new day will look more challenging with snow forecast overnight.
In surreal juxtaposition, the powerful, hurricane-strength sustained Santa Ana winds and extremely low humidity conditions in California have sparked an ever-growing number of wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, resulting in catastrophic scenes of ongoing devastation and loss of lives and properties. At the time of writing, another fire was taking over the Hollywood Hills (think of the world-famous Hollywood sign), and nearly all the fires were contained in the 0% range. Emotions and reactions – from gratitude to blaming – have spilled into the news and social media. There are many more challenging situations nationwide – and that’s “just” the weather, not to mention other harrowing events and circumstances.
Having lived through natural disasters, my thoughts and empathy are going out to all affected by the surreal fire situation in Los Angeles. Homes and memories are gone, lives were lost, and many deal with injuries and shock. The coming days and weeks will possibly reveal higher numbers and extraordinary scenes. Like many around the country and worldwide, I have been hearing, seeing, and reading hundreds of stories in the media. From the heroic efforts of stretched-thin first responders and citizens alike to the heartbreaking moments of grief and despair, from the despicable political statements blaming this one and the other one and yet another to the communities helping each other under tremendously trying circumstances.
The unkind (mild term) side of humanity prompted me to write down this thought flow. I’ve read and heard things like, “The fires were set by ‘the other political side.’” Or “Quit caring about Ukraine and Palestine: think of us first, put out the fires!” Or “Well, it’s Los Angeles, so they are rich, and it’s no big deal.” Or “DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives took priority over filling fire hydrants!” And many more mind-boggling, ludicrous, malicious statements that defy comprehension. The fires did not discriminate between people, animals, homes, and businesses in the path of unrelenting winds – from rich to poor, large to small, old and new buildings, and mom-and-pop shops and corporations. People discriminate. Nature does not.
A young man losing his house but saving a bunny, a firefighter emerging from a house burning to the ground with the owner’s cat in his arms, strangers driving and picking up residents in shock running for safety through smoke and embers, first responders sharing masks with choking elderly and injured, people offering rooms to the displaced, restaurants providing free food, and so many more somber and emotional scenes. The heartrending emotions and (mostly) gratitude of many Angelenos recipients of the love, care, and support of the people in their community and beyond. The Los Angeles fire catastrophe is not exempt from this country’s intensifying political and social vitriol and division, which has characterized the last few years.
Have families, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and fellow humans reached “that” point of indifference, apathy, selfishness, and carelessness? “That” point at which it seems far easier to pass judgment, compare, complain, and point the finger anywhere without care, rhyme, or reason? Akin to a Jekyll and Hyde rank-and-file: all the above, provided they are not the recipients of “that.” I do not believe it is too late to turn this dreadful tide. We can make a difference for the better; whether we will or not is entirely up to us. The smallest act can make a big difference.
Replace finger-pointing with acts of kindness, disrespect with understanding, and ego with community. Perhaps I am a defiant dreamer, but I do not intend to become part of a society that is changing into a ghost haunting itself because life “sucks.” Life is what we make it and how we confront its challenges. Everything is an opportunity, no matter how daunting it may appear. The “Let Them Theory” has become popular and trending; it has merits and can be life-changing. “Let them” be, do, and say as they wish, thereby defining their character and position in your life without further concern – set boundaries accordingly and live well. Let yourself live, believe, and learn with an open heart and mind. Be kind, loving, purposeful, mindful — peace out.