A New Paradise For Mom

Ugh. I’m going to try to keep this brief. As some of you may or may not know, much of my family lived in Paradise, Ca. up until a few days ago. My mom lived there. My sister and her five children lived there. Some of my cousins, aunts and many other extended family and friends also lived there. I don’t know the exact details of everyone's situation, but of the people I do know, everyone is safe. My mother's home burnt to the ground. My sister's home burnt to the ground. They will be ok. Everything will return to some type of normalcy over time, but not before some expected heartbreak and difficult obstacles to overcome. If you know my mom, I don’t need to tell you this. If you don’t know my mom, here’s what I’d like you to know about her. First of all, she wouldn’t want me doing this. She would tell me she’s fine and that everything is ok, and there is no need to worry about her. She’s always told me that, but this time I’m not buying it. My mom has spent her entire life caring for, looking after, loving, and taking care of others.  It is almost quite literally what defines her. If you came to my house growing up, you were greeted with a cup of her cappuccino, forced to sit down and stay for a delicious home cooked meal, and couldn’t get out the front door without a big hug and kiss from her. When she woke up last Thursday morning, she looked outside, saw the flames and knew there was no time to spare. In that very brief, panicked moment, she didn’t think to grab any of her possessions. Instead, she made sure her dog made it to the car, and she made sure she grabbed her dog food, because in that moment, taking care of her dog and making sure she had her food was her priority. That is exactly who my mom is.  Now she needs an assist, and I’m going to do my best to get her one. I’m simply asking for some healing and generosity in a few different ways. Donate a few bucks, if you can, or simply share this. Other than that, keep my family, and all the others that have had their lives turned upside down in your thoughts.    
Thank you and much love, 
Aaron