In college, one of our favorite pastimes was giving each other wild scenarios and asking what everyone would pack in their ‘Go Bag’ given the circumstances. The answers were always shocking and intentionally goofy, but it was clear that none of us had a true understanding of what and when a ‘Go Bag’ was used.
Fast forward ten years to an anxious Tom Schulte pacing around the living room with sirens in the background and a sky engulfed in flames from the Palisades fire in the near distance. My dear Khrista, in a loving but patronizing way asked, “would you feel better if you packed a Go Bag?” I nodded yes and went to work. After a few minutes I reemerged with my backpack to catch the updates on the TV. As my eyes were glued to the local news showing the destruction and urgency, Khrista was keeled over laughing at my Go Bag (she had packed several of her own while growing up in Los Angeles). I had packed my dob kit, two sets of underwear and socks and our passports. It appears I had missed the mark. As Khrista realized my use was limited in the situation, she sprung into action and within fifteen minutes, had several suitcases packed with photo albums, legal documents, framed art – things that had never been discussed in our college basement. We packed the cars and began the unnerving waiting game for evacuation orders.
It’s fun to share a dopey story to lighten up a challenging time, but the sense of loss and devastation is quick to reemerge. First and foremost, all of our family and friends are safe, and life seems relatively unchanged at the moment. Our neighbors on the other hand, with kids in the school system, know about 50 families that have lost everything. Truly unimaginable.
I wanted to share a handful of pictures taken over the past week…
I want to thank so many of you for reaching out and checking in during a scary time. The genuine care and well-wishes around our safety is so very much appreciated and valued.
