By Ron and Jean Stoker, Hamilton
We all know there are unknown heroes among us, but many became known the Sunday afternoon of the Roaring Lion Fire. We live on North Gold Creek Loop and our heroes are the local fire departments, Forest Service, Sheriff’s Department, Red Cross, perhaps other agencies we are not aware of, friends who took us in, and Angler’s Roost for allowing us to park our trailer there. Thank you!
If it were not for the fire fighters who worked into the night and next morning, our home and this neighborhood of homes would not be here. A neighbor who has a water tank truck also joined the fight. Thank you!
As we look out our kitchen window, about 50 feet away, we view our neighbor’s blackened acreage with trees that most likely will not survive. However, instead of thinking of the ugliness, we will for a long time be reminded of the courage of the firemen and women who valiantly kept the flames at bay, seeming to defy them to come closer. It’s like good versus evil. The grass will grow and the lupine will bloom again. It is also a reminder of how quickly life can change: one minute enjoying a serene Sunday, the next experiencing panic, chaos and fear. Mumbling a prayer, “God, help us” as we quickly gather things to take with us.
As we are home now, we have a sheriff’s officer across from our driveway 24/7 keeping guard on all of us. Thank you! We watch many FS trucks patrolling the neighborhood looking for smoldering embers. Thank you!
While we rejoice at having a standing home and yard, we grieve for those who lost theirs. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
Thank you and God bless our many heroes.