This is an open letter to the people that burned my house and life away:
If you are interested in helping the community in Corral Canyon heal from the devastation left by your incredible thoughtlessness of roasting marsh mellows in a fire area on a windy evening, call me. I could use some help rebuilding the house that was destroyed that night along with all of my family’s hopes and dreams and belongings of 30 years. My father, a World War II vet, lost his military memorabilia, my mother her high school diary and letters from my father when he was imprisoned in a German POW camp, my son’s precious arrowhead collections and writings are all gone, along with my daughter’s ballet slippers and prom dress. I lost my office with all my files.
I am or was an MFCC, a marriage and child therapist who no longer practices. I lost my studio with all my supplies. I lost all my paintings; my inventory; my future. I do not know how to get by the sadness of this loss and begin again.
I do not hate you. I do not have the energy to be angry. But I sure could use some help rebuilding this house. The insurance money did not cover the actual costs of replacing a home and the permitting process and regulations are designed to crush the dreams of building anything inspirational. The regulations appear to just line the pockets of endless lines of open hands that promise everything and rarely deliver.
Even if it takes the rest of my days, I am determined to proceed. The land is mine and I intend to keep it and do the best I can to create beauty where nothing remained.
Can you help?
Lee O’Keefe-Hardy