Many of you know or know of my sister Bonny and her husband, Bruce. Their house and property is endangered by the gigantic fires going on right now in Malibu (and across So Cal), where several structures have already burned to the ground. I don't know if I am caught up in all the drama or what (answer: yes), but I just can't stop thinking about it. I am sure that I am not the only one! As of an e-mail I got from my dad earlier this morning, things are looking good and the house will probably? hopefully? not be a goner even if it does sustain damage. Yesterday Bruce, his assistant John, my dad, brother Noah, and cousin Karl, along with Bonny and the girls, cut back trees and plants and loaded up their most valuable papers, photos, furniture, paintings, clothes, and after saying goodbye to their home, Bonny and the girls went to my mom's while the men stayed with the firefighters to work and watch and wait.
From my dad's e-mail: "There were many helicopter trips dumping water, and they came swooping over Bonny's house after making the drop, the last little contrail of water following behind as they headed out to the ocean for another load. Pretty awesome to watch. All of the canyons were closed off down past Topanga. But there is a big fire rig right in the middle of their driveway, with hoses all connected and ready to rip. They are prepared to foam the whole house and then go inside if things were to get really out of hand, but I am thinking not."
My mom quoted 5-year-old Esmé who packed her own box of "what you can't buy with money" (probably an instruction from Bonny but still--I got all misty).
Bruce designed and built the house and he and Bonny have built and made much of what is in there. They have lived there for eleven years, since before their oldest child was born. It's almost like a separate living being in itself. I know I'm still being a little bit dramatic. Everyone is healthy and they had time to get some valuables out, and they have a place to stay. I am grateful that they have the resources to fight the fire head-on if it does spread to the house. Some great memories are in that house and on that property, and, more importantly, severe damage will mean big changes and decisions for Bonny and her family. I hope things are still looking up! I think a lot depends on the wind.
9 comments:
We have been thinking about them since we saw the news yesterday.
A very sentiment on Esme's part.
Seriously, so scary. I can't even imagine leaving my home, and it's a cookie cutter type, let alone one designed and built specifically for us. Crazy. Keep us posted.
I just turned off the news and was trying to think if I new anyone out there in this horrible situation. I have only met your sister and her family once, but I thought they were so great and I will pray for their home and their safety. It's times like these that it is hard to be far away from family- but I guess in this situation geographically it is good. Anyway- hope all is well.
My sister had to evacuate her house too. It's pretty scary--her kids are pretty traumatized. Hope your sister's house is ok.
I'm teary-eyed too. I do know one thing (we had to evacuate our house when a hurricane struck in Mississippi) your whole family will grow even closer. It's times like these that we do appreciate the things we hold most dear.
Breaking news, the fire is contained, the house is safe (along with neighboring homes in their canyon) and they will be cleaning up and settling back in over the next week or two.
yay!
I'm very glad for your sister and her family. I am sick, though, about all the families who have lost their homes. So, so sad.
Hi Eliza, This is Diane, Robbie's mom. I am not sure how to ask the questions that I have about blogging. Your mom said you are a good source. Do you have an enail address that I can write to?
(and I am just figuring out that it is always good to check your spelling!)
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