Fires raging all around us!

Wow, I am amazed at how quickly dry grass & forests will burn up! I have been watching the news reports this entire year about the wildfires in the western and central states. I have been sympathetic to all the problems they cause with life and people in those areas. The wildfires started getting closer to home when they began in north Texas a few months ago. Now, we have major fires all over central Texas, and they are surrounding the Austin area. It became all too real for me last week with the smoke visible from every portion of my route. On Labor Day, I drove a route that covers most of the northern half of the city & I could see the smoke & fires at any point during the day!! Having friends that live in the areas affected made me even more aware of the devastation created by these fires. It is sad that it takes such a major event to open our eyes to the life that is all around us. I am guilty of getting so wrapped up in my own life that I forget about other things going on around me, and frequently forget to call loved ones and tell them that I love them. I am making a public statement today that I am very fortunate to have lots of people in my life that I love and care for. I would not be where I am today without them and I wont ever forget that. I just seem to get bogged down by life quickly and forget to relay this to my family & friends. Wildfires have a way of taking things away from us, I don't want to lose anything important to me, but can lose material possessions and deal with that. I hope that everyone gets the help they need to deal with these fires and that they can accept the destruction and get on with life in a reasonable amount of time. Prayers for all those affected by the fires & for those fighting them daily- they need all the strength we can give them.  Love to you all.   Alba