Wednesday this weeks marks one year since the Ordway fire. It seems hard to believe it's been that long, and yet driving around Ordway signs of life and renewal are emerging in the fire ravaged areas making it almost seem as though it happened a lifetime ago. Only the eye of actual witnesses can now trace the path of devastation and tell the many stories of homes and belongings lost. Even the bridge where firefighters Terry DeVore and John Schwartz, Jr. lost their lives has been repaired and no longer bears any visible sign of last year's tragedy.
It's all as it should be...strong communities pick themselves up and carry on. Life continues and we all are the wiser and better for lessons learned the hard way. But, I find myself thinking often of what was lost. What of the families? How are they doing? I hope their hearts are beginning to heal. I hope they know they are still thought about and still cared for.
Covering the fire, the memorial and the many other events that followed were both heart-wrenching and heart-warming. I witnessed over and over again the bonds that hold our Valley communities together. I hope with all my heart nothing as tragic ever happens here again. But, if it does, people here have proven they are strong enough and good enough and valiant enough to weather the storm.
On this very sad anniversary may we continue to keep all the victims of Ordway's fire in our thoughts and prayers.
