Rebuilding from the Ashes for L&D Bethune
Donation protected
My husband and I recently lost our home to the Bear Fire.
We moved from Citrus Heights 12 years ago to Berry Creek. I have had Multiple Sclerosis since 1998, and medically living in city became too overwhelming. MS affects everyone differently. It became incredibly difficult to handle the day to day life of the city. It was affecting my health, In 2005, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. With my husband by my side, this battle took two years to overcome. I am presently cancer free.
Our journey brought us to our property in September 2008. We fell in love with our property and it's charm.
We put over blood, sweat and tears in to making it our own slice of paradise. Many days and weeks spent cutting blackberries, and discovering the beauty of the forrest. A labor of love! It is a magical place! For the first time, I found peace in myself and found out who I really was! My home had healed my soul and I was truly happy to be me! The anger and years of various life issue were gone. That dark cloud had disappeared.
With the Bear Fire aheading towards Berry Creek, we knew it was time to evacuate.
We left our home for the safety of Chico. Not knowing if our slice of paradise would be there in the future. It was out of our hands. Mother Nature was in charge.
Yesterday we finally confirmed the worst. Our home was gone. Burned to a pile of ashes. We still have each other and our dogs, Jasmine, Dottie and Gracie.
Yes, our dogs got to live to mountain life that every dog dreams of.
We don't know what the future holds. None of us do. We would like to see our slice of paradise be reborn from the ashes.
Unfortunately, we I be faced with the necessary monetary issues that comes with rebuilding and expenses of life with an unforseen circumstance.
Asking for help is not in my nature and I had to do much soul searching. With the support of my friends, family and community, we will get through this difficult time.
As a friend advised me, "It is alright to ask for help. It is your turn now."
This is from my heart that I ask for support and help from my friends and community.
Thank you for being apart of my life journey. I am glad to know each and every one of you.
We moved from Citrus Heights 12 years ago to Berry Creek. I have had Multiple Sclerosis since 1998, and medically living in city became too overwhelming. MS affects everyone differently. It became incredibly difficult to handle the day to day life of the city. It was affecting my health, In 2005, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. With my husband by my side, this battle took two years to overcome. I am presently cancer free.
Our journey brought us to our property in September 2008. We fell in love with our property and it's charm.
We put over blood, sweat and tears in to making it our own slice of paradise. Many days and weeks spent cutting blackberries, and discovering the beauty of the forrest. A labor of love! It is a magical place! For the first time, I found peace in myself and found out who I really was! My home had healed my soul and I was truly happy to be me! The anger and years of various life issue were gone. That dark cloud had disappeared.
With the Bear Fire aheading towards Berry Creek, we knew it was time to evacuate.
We left our home for the safety of Chico. Not knowing if our slice of paradise would be there in the future. It was out of our hands. Mother Nature was in charge.
Yesterday we finally confirmed the worst. Our home was gone. Burned to a pile of ashes. We still have each other and our dogs, Jasmine, Dottie and Gracie.
Yes, our dogs got to live to mountain life that every dog dreams of.
We don't know what the future holds. None of us do. We would like to see our slice of paradise be reborn from the ashes.
Unfortunately, we I be faced with the necessary monetary issues that comes with rebuilding and expenses of life with an unforseen circumstance.
Asking for help is not in my nature and I had to do much soul searching. With the support of my friends, family and community, we will get through this difficult time.
As a friend advised me, "It is alright to ask for help. It is your turn now."
This is from my heart that I ask for support and help from my friends and community.
Thank you for being apart of my life journey. I am glad to know each and every one of you.
Organizer
Denise Bethune
Organizer
Berry Creek, CA
