It's been a very challenging time in the Pacific Northwest. The massive human-caused fire in our beautiful Columbia River Gorge has been difficult to fathom and process. Personally, I’ve experienced a gamut of emotion…rage, hopelessness, helplessness, deep sadness, and grief.
I honor all those fighting the fire and providing support to those directly impacted. It will be a very long process.
As I reflect about my experience of it all, I continue to believe that we humans are good hearted and loving and more than willing to help others. So many heroic and compassionate stories have emerged from the extreme challenges we’re facing across the planet.
As I watched the accountings of the fire on television, I was struck by the conversations…talk of structures, air quality, human displacement, pets and livestock, but little mention of the forest creatures and the majestic trees being consumed in this horrific event.
I feel compelled to recognize all those unsung beings who reside in the forest. I think about the innocent animals who must flee in terror, lose their beautiful home, and perhaps not survive. And those magnificent trees, many older than we are, who will no longer stand. It saddens me to realize that in our 3-D world we measure a tree’s worth in board feet.
Today, I honor all the beings, be it animal, plant, tree, or human who have experienced the terror of this horrible event. And for all those beings who didn’t survive, I grieve…
I’ve included a photo of a chipmunk from another place and time as a reminder that life persists. I have deep faith in the Earth and Her unwavering love for us.
Henry David Thoreau once said, ‘Heaven is under our feet as well as over our head.’
I wish for blessings for us all…
(New photos on website Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)