Evacuating

It was just like any other Sunday night. I was in the living room relaxing.  The phone rang and someone picked up but I didn't need to find out out who it was. (9 times out of 10 it's not for me)  Later the phone rang again, this time my mother-in-law picked up.  It was her dad, Grandpa Green, worried about my family down in Texas who were near the fires.

Confused.

I had not heard about the fires or from my family so I assumed they were fine. We let him know they were ok not really knowing if they were.

Unsettled.

I go downstairs and call my dad. I call dad because he is the most reliable at picking up. The line rings. The line keeps ringing. Finally, just before it reaches his voicemail, he answers. 

Joking.

"I am calling to check up on you. Grandpa Green is worried about you guys."  I laughed hoping that by making light of everything there won't be a need to worry. He will laugh too and say they are out of harms way. "We're evacuating now.  We're leaving Connie's and we will head to Seguin."

Silence.

I don't remember the rest of the conversation, honestly. We talked a little more than that, not much, but all I remember is hanging up and heading toward the door to go back upstairs. Before making it to the door I hit the floor crying. I knew my family would be safe but the house we have lived in for 20+ years could be gone by morning.

I regained composure and did my best to update myself on the situation since not 10 minutes before I had no idea about what was going on. I used the news, Google, even Facebook to gather all the information I could and then send it off to other friends and family members who were asking about the area. 

I spent all day Monday checking Facebook by the minute. My family was able to return to their home but they were not sure when they would have to leave again.  Not wanting to be surprised again, I bugged my family for updates.  I bugged everyone on Facebook for updates.

My family made it through the weekend with our house intact. Our extended family was very fortunate as well.

I know I have friends in Texas who have not been as fortunate and my thoughts and prayers are with them as they begin to clear and rebuild. I am grateful to all who took part, and are taking part in containing the fires.