The last six weeks have turned so many worlds upside down. The deep sorrow that rippled through our community was felt across the nation. Being integrated into this community both personally as well as professionally, we have been bestowed the great responsibility of walking alongside people personally impacted by the fires that destroyed parts of our county beginning Sept. 8, 2020.
Numerous clients of ours were impacted and nearly a dozen lost their homes and earthly possessions; not to mention many lost investment properties and family businesses. Our spouses joined countless other First Responders on the front line offering a raw and often gruesome perspective that at times we just couldn’t bear to hear.
Our hearts pour out to those trying to decide where they go from here, so many grappling for shelter and even more just simply devastated by the layers and layers of loss. One client of ours was telling a story of just how massive this loss extends…. She recently said to a co-worker, “Please create a list of what I can grab from you at the store.” The fire victim stared back at her for a few minutes and then said, “Can I borrow a pen and paper? I don’t even have that.”
Amidst this tragedy, we have also witnessed so much goodness, so much love and so much grace. Numerous real estate transactions birthed after the fires included friends and family purchasing homes for and with those impacted by the fire. Brokers from all offices are leaning on each other to uncover prospective listings that could work for their list of clients without a place to call home. We know their names and their stories and we are all working together for them, even though they are technically not our clients. Countless churches, non-profits, various other private parties and organizations have literally amassed so many household items, clothing, cash etc. Everyone is spreading love and care. As the dust settles and people try to restore some normalcy, everyone has been given the opportunity to walk alongside their community and so, so many answered the call.
In a world that is often divided, we really have seen so much incredible love come from this horrible event and I am so proud of everyone for working together. As wives of police officers, it takes our breath away on how much gratitude has been expressed for not only our husbands’ efforts and countless hours dedicated to the tragedy but also our personal sacrifice during that time. It was an incredibly unsettling number of days while we prayed diligently for the safety of our community.
Keep up the great work, Southern Oregon. We are so proud of you and we know our community will rebuild and be stronger and we can’t wait to see it. There is nowhere else we would rather live.
