I have refrained from speaking on this recent, horrible event in our area, because the tragedy has drawn a lot of commentary already, and while I am an open book, it’s imperative that less attention be drawn to any one person who is outside the circle of those suffering.

On June 30, 2013, twenty men went into harm’s way, with no thought of themselves.  One came out alive, only because he was trying to get the others out as well, and did all he could to get his crew members to follow suit.

Yet, the fire had other plans.  The fire was too quick, and the wind moved with vengeance, pushing infernal flames in the direction of the living, the unselfish.  That’s the way of fire.  It is supposed to cleanse, the way vermin are supposed to cleanse, when so often, they spread disease and death from the very germs they seek to clean up.  So often, fire overdoes it.

Thus it was, on that Sunday afternoon.  A gentle, welcoming small village, at the cusp of mountains and desert, found itself fleeing a behemoth.    Neighbours to the northeast were largely spared, when the wind shifted, backwards, but their protectors fell.

The guardians died; their families are now on their knees, wondering who will guard and resuscitate them.  Some of us offer answers of reassurance.  I have learned, though, that the best offers of love and support mean nothing, unless and until they are fulfilled.  In some cases, this fulfillment will take years, and may occasionally be deferred by other concerns or be battered by the anger, the despair, the palpable hurt that accompanies any and all grief.

Nineteen souls have joined the pantheon of the hereafter, what we in the American Legion call Post Everlasting.  Nineteen families have joined the assembled multitude of those for whom the public cares, for a time.  Their true friends, though, will be those who do not stop caring, who will accept them and love them through all the pain, the sorrow and the occasional lashing-out.  These friends will be there until the end, and I pray God that end is not a bitter one.