We are once again feeling the effects of yet another national disaster happening down in Southern California. When I hear the stories of displacement, loss and destruction, it breaks my heart. What's makes me feel worse is if this tragedy is partially due to the destruction of man.

A touching story I heard yesterday (I wish I could remember the specific details... but it went something like this...) An eight year old girl left a small piece of paper that simply said "Thanks" and her name. A firefighter found the note and was really touched but the sentiment.

When he was interviewed, he expressed how much he feels for all these people and what they are going through... He broke down with the reality that these people have lost everything and they are thanking me. He actually was reunited with the girl and he called her the hero.

Now living in "fire country" and getting ready to move into one of the top three "fire danger" ares in all of Oregon makes me really stop and think (note to self... check my fire insurance...) about what I would do... If I only had just a few moments to grab my most valuable possessions... what would I do?

Obviously I would make sure to get all living things (except maybe the plants) out first! Secondly I would have to say all of my scrapbooks and probably my computer. After that it's all kindling to me (really if I didn't get my scrapbooks... I would be o.k... but I would cry... cry a lot!!!).

The reality is that I could probably do without all of my worldly possessions. They are just things, material possessions that can always be replaced. When we start putting too much value on our possessions we sometimes forget about what is really important to us.

It's a similar feeling people have when trying to let go of their possessions - just to get organized.

I am so very sorry for those families who lost their homes, and again we have seen our country come together and help those in need.