“It has been said, ‘time heals all wounds.’ I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”
― Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
There are no easy words for those who lost everything three years ago this week. Things aren’t about whatever they are, they are about what energy we hold in them, the memory they hold – that loved one, a book that reminds us how we choose to do something or not do something, a lesson learned, a lesson felt and on and on and on.
On September 8, 2020, the wildfire that blew through our community left a significant scar. There are still people who are temporarily housed. There are many more permanently resettled and yet the scars are there and will be.
I remember Rep. Pam Marsh telling me early on I’d be working on this for 5-10 years. I thought I’m way too impatient for that. She is likely always right. And I’m still too impatient. We have all worked very hard to help people recover and, remarkably, there are many in our community who think it’s all done.
It’s not done and with 54 active fires in Oregon right now, we must remember those who lost everything on September 8, 2020. We must continue to work hard to help with recovery and resilience. We must listen to their stories. We must engage and act to create positive community change.
I agree with Rose Kennedy, it is never gone. My reminder for this week is to be gentle with everyone and with myself.
Onward,
