Herriman Fire

( Picture taken from Draper)

Yesterday I was taking my usual nap and woke up to the sun seeming a little red. I figured there was a fire but didn't know where it was coming from. I looked out the window to only see a HUGE plume of smoke. Still unaware of what had happened, we turned the news on only to find out that the Camp Williams were machine gun practicing and that is what started the blaze. We watched this fire grow and grow and finally watched it come up over the hill and threaten homes. I am horrified of losing my house in a fire. Talking with neighbors, they all want their house to burn down so they can have a bigger bathroom or new carpet! I kind of laughed thinking they were crazy! Ya, it would be nice to have new carpet, but I would be devastated at all the hard work Jake and I have made to make our house a home. I don't care about the monetary things, those can be replaced, but it would break my heart to lose EVERYTHING, from pictures, to diplomas that were worked so hard on, to all the things that can't be replaced. I guess one of the home owners that lost his home is an older guy, in his mid sixties and was on the news. He was so devastated that he had lost everything that he wanted to go find his gun safe and commit suicide. Would it be that bad? I imagine it would be. We have friends that live up in the hills of Herriman and Jake and I panicked at the thought of them losing their house. What would you grab? Do you have a 72 hour kit close at hand? what would you leave behind? All of these questions were asked as our little neighborhood gathered and watched the blaze at the park until 1 am.

I am very unprepared. I have backpacks that need to be filled. I have food storage, but still in need of other things. I feel like I am very unprepared for any sort of disaster. It's not just my life that is in the balance anymore and this entire ordeal has made me realize that I need to get my act together to protect my sweet family. This fire has made me contemplate a lot of things. What are important? What WOULD you take with you if you only had two minutes to get out? I guess it is for this reason we have disasters like this. To wake us up and realize that IT could be me. It could be a flood, or an earthquake, and eventually it will be for sure. I need to get prepared. I need to get my family prepared not only physically but spiritually as well.

Jaymie, my sister makes me laugh. She always has some smirk remark (which is usually hysterical!) She was texting me wondering if everything was okay. I told her we were fine and far enough away we didn't have to worry. She then proceeds to tell me that I should have moved up to Zion where they live in Kaysville! I about died and told her that not to worry, we were already burning down here in Hell!! (Herriman). But light mindedness aside...it almost felt symbolic. Maybe it's cheesy to say this, but I have just felt unprepared and sooner or later if we aren't prepared...we will burn! and everything that we feel is important won't be.

My eyes are now wide open!....

 (Thanks Ash! I stole your pics!!)