“They’re just things. We’re all okay. Things can be replaced, people can’t. I’m just grateful everyone is alive.”
How many times after a fire, tornado or hurricane have we heard those brave words, sincerely spoken in the moment? Yet we know, sitting in our chairs in the comfort of our safe and secure homes, that sooner or later the woman on the screen will realize some things can’t be replaced.
The stone your daughter brought you because she thought it was so pretty and would bring you good luck. The books you’ve had since childhood, worn a bit, but beautiful. The Christmas decorations your mother and your children made.
The pictures, taken before digital cameras and cloud storage.
Yes, any of us would rather have our children, spouses, siblings, parents, friends and neighbors alive and hugging us close than a household of “things”…but the loss of the material is real, and eventually will hit the people struggling to find a change of clothing and water the day after their home is destroyed.
We say “you can’t take it with you” and as true as that is, you have it here on earth. While often that expression refers to money, here I’m talking about things, objects, what you know is in your house and makes it home for you. You treasure it, at times it sustains you. There’s nothing wrong with valuing those things.
A tragic loss does put all that in perspective, of course, and you can always find new objects to hold close to your heart. But they can’t fully replace what’s been lost.
To those who’ve lost everything, my heart is with you. I know your loss is real. I pray you have the support in your life to get through whatever has brought this loss into your life, all that it represents, and that you will soon find joy again.
Photo Credit : © marima-design – Fotolia
My World With Words 
Deep words that means so much. Thank you for sharing and reminding me to cherish on precious moments.
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Thank you, Kally!
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This is all so true. It’s kind of like that less than comforting feeling of sharing a loss and hearing, “Well, it could be worse.”
That just diminishes our feelings and leads to a sense of complaining without being appreciative. Of course, we value our loved ones. But you are right that there are special items in our lives that are difficult to part with.
I have a cousin who lost her home to a fast moving wildfire. She ran for her life and her home burned to the ground. Years later, I have made it a point to send her pictures of her family that I came across after my parents passed away. She had lost all her families pictures and it felt so great to restore a few for her.
Thanks for writing another heartfelt post, Belinda.
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Thank you, Judy. I think losing pictures would be so difficult, and a gift like yours would be cherished.
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This wonderful post got me to thinking about what you would grab (if given the chance) when you must leave in a hurry. When I left the home that I raised my family in (for almost twenty years) I left many meaningful things behind. Other than my clothes I took almost two decades of photos, home movies, and the ashes of my dog. Most of our belongings are replaceable. I was glad that under great pressure I chose the ones that weren’t.
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Under great pressure is the key phrase, I think. Of course in a flood you can’t take anything, even your pets!! That would break my heart. I’m glad you got the things you treasure when you left.
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