From the Ashes

Associated Press, Ethan Swope

People fleeing.

Homes are burning.

"The fire is moving too fast," they said."Get out! Get out, now!"

Some gather, staying just enough on the fringe to feel far enough away. Universally, their faces are streaked with soot, tears, and utter disbelief. The all-consuming fire is relentless and has a feral growl accentuated with loud piercing crackles and pops as people's homes and properties succumb and collapse.

Through the wall of sirens, neighbors call to each other. There are cries of anguish, so raw and guttural, that it is felt deep in the soul by anyone close enough to hear.

"Here, kitty-kitty! Come on, baby. Come to momma!" a woman calls hoarsely, her throat constrained from smoke and shock.

New York Post, January 8, 2025

Her heart leaps with relief as her 16-year old arthritic and poorly sighted tabby cat, eyes wide with terror, runs to her call. She tucks her cat safely inside her jacket and starts to run outside, only to find herself confused and unsure what to do. There was an overwhelming assault, a chaotic symphony of destruction and despair around her.

The insatiable wildfires currently burning across Southern California are devouring everything in its path. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to smoldering rubble and it seems that no amount of water will quench the rage expressed by these fires.

As the unimaginable happens before our very eyes, stories of heroism rise through the flames, reminding me, over and over, of the truly remarkable nature of people and their ability to care for each other and the earth's animals who are so helpless during disaster.

Annie Harvilicz, a Los Angeles veterinarian, opened her home and veterinary hospital to dozens of animals whose owners were being forced to flee. Without rest, she took in animal after animal, giving some relief to animal owners who had no place to turn.

Two beloved ponies, trapped in the fire and deemed as not saveable, were rescued by an animal rescue organization whose volunteers stood and said we will get them. Horses are being hand-led down burning streets, a pet rabbit being brought out of the flames in a purse. A man running down a smoke-filled road, picking up the birds that had fallen from the sky, taking them with him as he fled, likely only minutes ahead of the fire. Impromptu animal sanctuaries are opening with make-shift and good-enough triage centers, volunteers are reporting, and food and supplies are being donated.

During disaster, the force of the human spirit is untethered and not even fire can burn away our resilience and willingness to fight for life and each other.

All life.

The wildfires will be contained and we will only then see its full devastation. Silent will be the stories of our wildlife. The animals in desperate fight for survival, disoriented by the chaos and thick smoke. Rabbits and foxes will have been zigzagging, seeking refuge, and not finding any. Deer will have attempted to outrun the blazes, appearing as darkened silhouettes against the fiery backdrop. The young, old, and ill would not have stood a chance. The fire and heat will have been merciless and thousands of quiet lives will have been lost.

Our family and friends have lost their homes, schools, and churches. Rivendell is in prayer and mourning. We pray for all lives lost and for those whose dreams and lives have been destroyed. We pray for their courage to rebuild, even when the road to recovery seems so heavy.

From the ashes, the beauty of life will bloom. Even in great loss, there is the promise of renewal.