Help, please

[Deleted]

Maybe this isn't exactly MW-related but I need help. My parents have been evacuated from their home due to a large fire spreading quickly towards their property. We bought the property when I was a kid and it was meant to be my parents dream retirement home. With the economic downturn they've had to wait many, many more years than anticipated to get their house built up there, and it was finally finished this year. If they lose their home after just now finally getting moved into it, they will be devastated.

I asked if they wanted to come stay with us, but we're about 2 hrs away and they want to stay close to their home. I don't know what else I can do and I can't stand this worry and feeling like there's nothing I can do to help. I think I will clean up the guest room in case they change their minds, but I am supposed to be working from home today.

Do you all have any thoughts about how I can maintain my composure and a clear head while enduring this helpless, panicked feeling? Freaking the eff out isn't going to help anything.

[bocaburger]

I am so, so sorry. I think the best thing to do is just check in with them frequently. Try to focus on the here and now (right this moment, are they ok) rather than worrying what will happen to the house. Remember that they are safe, which is the most important thing.

[Ray]

Preparing the guest room sounds like a great idea. Maybe you could send them a couple gift cards for local restaurants for them to eat at while they are out of their home. Focus on the fact that they are safe. Do they have house insurance? If so take solace that they will get their house back if anything does happen. We are here

[Deleted]

Thanks bocaburger and Ray. I learned from my sister that by "stay close" they meant they are staked out on the road across the canyon from their house, which technically is not evacuated but really not very far from danger. They can see their house from there and can supposedly get away safely on that road. My dad was going to go back and wet everything down, which scares me but realistically I think he will be fine. The fire is still a few miles away. I called my mom a little while ago but she didn't answer. My sister has a sister-in-law nearby who is in a safe area, and she is trying to get them to go there. At least that way they'll still be nearby but with people they know.

I told my supervisor I won't be able to work as much as I thought today. Thankfully he is very understanding. I am trying to breathe and keep busy.

[Deleted]

I would notify the authorities in the area to let them know that your parents have not fully evacuated. They won't know it's you, and it can at least give you some peace of mind that they will be moved to a safe place.

[Deleted]

Sept 11, 2015 14:43:55 GMT -5 @wallflwr926 said:

I would notify the authorities in the area to let them know that your parents have not fully evacuated. They won't know it's you, and it can at least give you some peace of mind that they will be moved to a safe place.

Oh that is a great idea, thank you!

[Deleted]

they just let me know they left the area. Evacs are being expanded. I think their house will burn.

[Deleted]

@rocknrollfriend, how are your parents doing today? Any news on their house?

[Deleted]

Sept 12, 2015 6:44:16 GMT -5 @wallflwr926 said:

@rocknrollfriend, how are your parents doing today? Any news on their house?

They are heading to my house now, and my sister is here too. We don't know for sure about their house, but we do know the fire passed right around/through their property. It is unlikely firefighters were defending the house, because it is pretty remote and this fire is intense and unpredictable. They have been focusing on saving towns, and even losing some structures in towns. So, the pit in my stomach persists, but we are holding out hope that maybe, somehow, their house was spared. We won't know for sure until we see it, and the roads are still closed. Hoping something opens up today but not looking likely.

The not knowing is the worst.

Edit: thanks for asking.

[tjr42px]

Sept 11, 2015 14:57:33 GMT -5 @rocknrollfriend said:

they just let me know they left the area. Evacs are being expanded. I think their house will burn.

Oh no! That sucks. So devastating, but bottom line is they are safe.

[Deleted]

Late to this, but I hope everything is going okay. We've had some devastating fires in our state as well - my heart goes out to you and your family.

[Deleted]

We still don't know if the house is standing. The fire is still active in that area. Trying to hold onto hope but it doesn't look good. Thank you all for the kind words.

[yoshijo28]

@rocknrollfriend just wanted to say I'm so sorry you and your parents are going through this and I know you get some good news soon