This is a letter written to the editor of the Sonoma Valley Sun newspaper. It was printed November 23, 2017, after the Wine Country Wildfires…

Where do we go from here?

The fires that ravaged the North Bay have certainly left indelible memories on all of who lived through that experience. The rush of emotions, chaos, and lack of information fed more than just the fires. Where do we go? How much time do we have? How will I protect my family, home, pets?

As time went by, it was clear to everyone standing in the thick smoke that the problem was bigger than all of us. At the time, emotions ruled our decisions as there were more rumors than facts on which to base them on.

Now, a month later, the fires are out. We have more facts, but many more questions than answers. Having not lost our home, a sense of loss, sadness, and even guilt remains. Sometimes, you just have to grin and bear it. Blindsiding by major life events happens, but how we choose to respond to the crisis, is up to us.

The dust has settled, the fire is out, now what? There was a time when I coached youth rugby in Sonoma Valley. We used to tell the young Ruggers that, “it was OK if you made the mistake of dropping the ball.” Adult players know if you spend enough time in the game, dropping the ball will happen at some point. Do you move on with life pretending that you didn’t? Or do you go back, pick it up and try to make it better?

For me, it’s enough to have the bureaucrats point the finger at who’s to blame. I believe what’s important, and in the best interest of the community, is to keep Sonoma strong. How do we do that?

Now is the time to start looking outward. It’s time to pick up the ball and make a difference right here, right now.

After the wildfires ravaged Yellowstone Park in the ‘90s, great re-birth occurred with a greater appreciation of the park and the community that rose from those ashes. The realization that Sonoma Valley is a VERY special place with an incredibly thoughtful and giving community isn’t a new idea, but it’s more now. Our community is our strength and the source of our pride.

I encourage you to get out into the community and meet your neighbors. Let down your emotional and physical fences to make a difference now! Last week, I heard about the “No Pay Café,” run by our local hero chefs Sheana Davis and Mara Roche. They served up to 5,000 meals daily, donated by Facebook.

We can’t all be first responders, but we can find our own way to help, finding inspiration from women like Sheana and Mara. Where we go from here, is up to ALL of us!

Thank you Sonoma Valley Sun for publishing this letter to the community. You can find the article online here.

To further support our local heroes, make sure you consider Mara Roche of Aunt Momo’s small bit catering or cheese mavin Sheana Davis & her Epicurean Connection for your next gathering!