Fires.
So, R.’s parents were evacuated yesterday from their home, which is currently thick with falling ash. The Witch Fire is only a neighborhood away. Every hotel in town is full, so there is no where for them to go…my FIL even called the highest-end resorts in town, asking for the highest-end suites, and there was nothing available. So, my mother-in-law–who is 90 years old, by the way–hastily made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in her graying kitchen, and then they drove down to the local shopping area and parked in the Denny’s lot, planning to spend last night in their car. The Del Mar Fairgrounds evacuation point was at capacity. And, so, my 90-something MIL was parked at the Denny’s for the night.
This sort of thing drives me crazy. And it sets off all sort of emotional triggers to my own parents’ situation…my father, whose Parkinson’s has lately left him unable to walk, but who refuses to purchase a wheelchair on principle, and my mother, who refuses to go against his wishes and who thus ends up, at the age of 71, trying to carry my father singlehandedly to where he needs to go. And so I process all this by feeling helpless and infuriated, in that way that being out of control and at a distance can make you feel.
And R. has taken off again for the coast (he just got home from a week of business there on Saturday) to see if he can usher his parents to safety. I’ll keep you posted.
Dang. I was there 4 years ago during the last fire and it was scary to me.
Comment by: Johnny - 10.23.2007 - 1.23 pm
No room at the inn. Sigh. The parking lot is not a place for a 90-year-old to spend the night…Hope R finds them all safe and sound and the house okay. Hugs.
Comment by: OmegaMom - 10.23.2007 - 2.02 pm
How scary for everyone. And oh, the stubbornness of older folks…it’s the worst part.
Comment by: Sister Carrie - 10.23.2007 - 2.36 pm
Boy SBird that is a lot to sit with. My thoughts are with you and your family. Both sides of the family, that is. What is happening with the fires is so tragic!!!
Comment by: M - 10.23.2007 - 3.01 pm
Have you guys contacted Red Cross? They have been putting the call out around here & I’d imagine have got some shelters going up that may be better than the parking lot? So hard to feel so helpless….
Comment by: wzgirl - 10.23.2007 - 3.27 pm
Ugh. Here’s hoping everything passes through your in-laws lives with no lasting damage. That’s really awful. I’m sorry.
Comment by: Maia - 10.23.2007 - 4.34 pm
What a nightmare - yes, maybe the Red Cross has some options or suggestions for your in-laws? I wish them the very best.
Aging parents….I do so understand. That is what pulled us from AZ.
It’s been much more difficult than we ever imagined. Even if you are close by, there is no guarantee that the folks will cooperate, and make the needed decisions. I liked it better at a distance, myself.
Good luck to your family, my friend!
Comment by: holly - 10.23.2007 - 5.06 pm
Those fires are scary! Sorry you have loved ones near them. Yes, our elders can be wonderfully stubborn. I’m sure it was a great trait at some point - did fabulous things for us, but now it’s downright difficult!
Comment by: Cavatica - 10.23.2007 - 5.33 pm
These fires are truly a national disaster. So sorry your family is involved. I’m glad that hubby’s gone to help them. The thought of a 90 year old woman spending the night (and hot day) in her car is very scary. I hope all remain safe and that the weather changes quickly for the better!
Comment by: christie - 10.23.2007 - 6.43 pm
we….our loved ones… seem so fragile and vulnerable sometimes, especially in the midst of such a tragedy. But, I have to say that those women in your family have amazing spirit.
Safe travels to Reuben and hope that he finds his parents a safe haven.
Comment by: Beeb - 10.23.2007 - 10.41 pm
My family is having issues with fires as well. I hope everyone stays safe.
Comment by: Nicole - 10.24.2007 - 6.47 am
I’ve been thinking a great deal about your in-laws. How are they? Any updates?
Comment by: Beeb - 10.25.2007 - 9.58 am