One by one the raindrops fell as we drove through town today. Tree after tree was burnt, blackened, fallen to the ground, cut & stacked. Our stops were few but memorable. My sons’ house had stucco laid flat to the ground, where ashes covered what was once his home. I could feel my sons’ sadness as he stared in disbelief that this was now his life. All he had left was what he’d left town with. Everything else was gone… all of it! We left with a heavy heart as he said his good byes to his home. Through the maze of workers, shadows of brick houses & black & gray covered streets, we stopped at our other sons’ place. We all were somber, staring at the remnants of what was left of a broken-down home. We walked around & recognized several pieces & things that once were whole. Out of the bottom of the ash covered floor, lay a face staring back at me. I lifted it up, brushed it off & recognized the statue of Saint Francis of Assisi. Out of the ashes comes Beauty! A memory for my son to remember that he is still alive! A memory for all of us, that though our sorrow is great, our prayers have been heard. 20 more tears from heaven rained down on me today, tears for sadness & tears of joy. Though my sons’ homes are gone, just like ours was, they too shall rise from the ashes. Be strong my sons, you are our legacy… a part of God’s history! 💔
Photography by: Cindy Lee Hoover “Falls”
