Summer, 2017
Santa Rosa, California is the County Seat for Sonoma County, one of the largest and arguably the most beautiful county in the state. Its Western boundary is eternally washed by the rugged Pacific waves pounding the coastline, the east segues into beautiful Napa Valley, to the North Mendocino County extends the Sonoma coastline and is home to gorgeous Redwood and Sequoia forests, and to the south, Marin county borders San Francisco Bay and is home to the south terminus of the Golden Gate Bridge.
We loved the area. Vineyards as far as the eye could see, each meticulously patterned, the Pacific Coast a short twenty-five mile drive, an economy thriving on Tourism and the wine industry which produced some the finest wines in the world, Napa Valley thirty miles to the East and Alexander Valley about the same to the north.
Our home was located near the north east border of Santa Rosa, perched atop Parker Hill at eight hundred fifty feet elevation. Situated off the main development street, Wedgewood Way, it lay at the foot of a common driveway serving four homes, one to our left, two to the right. A very private location in a tranquil neighborhood of fifty-six homes. It was a large home, two stories, with ver 3,600 square feet.
From our rear balcony our we had a view south and west to the Santa Rosa Valley which was dissected by US 101, the main and only highway to points north and south. The view was obstructed by multiple hues of green from a variety of trees that had slowly reached skyward in the fifteen years of our residence. Only a few of the twinkling valley lights we enjoyed in our early years were visible.
U.S 101 was incessantly under construction; the North Bay area grew and the traffic followed suit exponentially. Commutes became long and frustrating. The cost of living rose on all fronts adding to the many challenges of living in a desirable part of the world.
For several years prior to the summer of 2017, we had contemplated the next chapter of our life, one we hoped would be defined by a simpler lifestyle in a smaller home. Realistically we knew that next chapter would not be in California. So early in the summer we began to aggressively research potential areas for relocation.
In July, we took a short sojourn to South Lake Tahoe to celebrate our 47th anniversary. While three we drove into Reno, Nevada to explore options available to us. We found a home we really liked, one we felt would meet our needs then and well into the future. It is in the Washoe Valley which is bordered by the Sierra Nevada to the West and the Virginia Foothills to the East. The hills and mountains cradled a fifty-five plus community that appealed to us on many levels. The topographic beauty and the friendly, outgoing residents convinced us the area was one we could enjoy for many years.
For the next couple months we weighed the pros and cons of buying the home we favored in the community. The process surfaced a few trepidations, not the least of which was leaving beautiful California, a place we loved and our home for more than twenty years. The sadness of having to say goodbye to friends and family was somewhat mitigated by the fact that the distance between them and us would be relatively short.
So on September 7th, 2017, we returned to Reno, having made our decision to sell our home and move to Reno.
Little did we know that a month later that decision would prove to be a seminal event in our life. We went with our gut, as we had many times when the outcome of a decision could not be known.
Once again it proved to be a reliable guidepost.
October 7, 2018
It was a typical fall day in Northern California: beautiful blue sky, a wisp of clouds here and there, warm temperatures and a mild breeze. It was also a typical day for us, running errands like the cleaners, grocery store and the mall. We also spent some time tweaking the landscaping and arranging the deck. We wanted the house, painted just two months earlier, to be bask in its best light when the photographer arrived at five o’clock to take stills of the exterior.
One of the pictures he took is at the top of the page. He took many more photographs, a collection of which would have made a beautiful collage in our listing, scheduled for February 1, 2018.
As evening approached the breeze was holding steady. The weather forecast for the night and next day was for increasing wind speed that could lead to a Red Flag Warning, though none was issued at that time. The drought-stressed trees, the summer scorched brush, low humidity and a strengthening high pressure ridge off the Pacific coast was potentially a perfect meteorological fire storm.
We went to bed a little uneasy wondering what the next day would bring.
I see the hand of God in many of the coincidences you describe. I’m so sorry you went through this!
Thanks, Marian. We’ll never really know. Keep your faith. It makes life’s mountains easier to climb.
Omg this is wonderful written!!! Keep writing!!! I sure miss ya’ll! It was a hard Christmas this year as I’m sure it was for you too!!! Can’t wait to see y’all again!!!! Xoxo
Thanks, Diane. I’m working on the next section. Get your butt out here!
Thanks for sharing this with us. I am in awe of the experience and your artful telling of it. We are so glad that you, Jane and Pogo are our friends and neighbors. Love does stand.
Thanks, Vince. You and Joyce have been a big part of our trek to a new normal. So glad to have you in our life.
Dear Steve Jane. It is amazing how someone how someone could live thru such a tragic experience. Yes we felt so bad losing everything you worked for all your life for. you both have been so kind and caring to everyone in need,it is amazing life is stating over again. Your LOVE for each other is what has kept you both going. Your blog is great. Writing it had be very painful. Thanks… Love. B.J.
Thanks, B.J. It was tough at times, but I feel better having gone through the process. Your love and encouragement is a gift we cherish. And we are so grateful to you for keeping Mom in your life and bringing a smile to her face with every card. L0ve you.
Dear Steve, Your blog is an outstanding first person account of what happened and how it all affected you and yours. A brilliant piece of writing. Even though I knew the details, your writing builds tension and fear. Then the profound loss of everything. I am so impressed with this piece – it brought tears to my eyes. Both Ken and I read it with awe. Thank you for sharing this piece – keep on writing and we will keep on reading. Much love, Susan and Ken
Thanks you so much, Susan and Ken. It was a struggle at times but I feel better having a record of that night. The next blog will go into some of the detail of our experience at the site, including the incredible efforts of both of you to try to salvage some remnants of our life’s work. for which we areforever grateful. We may be in CA in January… will let you know when we confirm.. Meanwhile, Happy New Year. Love from us guys in Reno.:)
Steve and Jane-this account of what you endured absolutely blows my mind. I still can’t imagine going through this, yet I know that re-living and writing about this devastation probably has helped in many ways. Thanking God for your safety and a new place now called ‘home’.
Thanks,Debbie. We’re doing good. Life goes on.
This brought tears to my eyes, slowly running down my cheeks as I kept turning the pages. Thank you for sharing such a horrific, terrifying life experience. This read was amazing…just trying to imagine the every footstep and turn and emotion is indescribable. Love you both immensely and look forward to seeing your new beginnings in Reno. Xoxo
Love you, too. Your love and that of all the Morgans is a life treasure. ❤️
Dear Jane and Steve,
If it weren’t for Jane friending me last night, I would have never read this piece. I read it aloud to Fred with many breaks for the tears and anguish I felt for you and your family’s experience. My heart aches for what you went through. And, yes, God and life has a way of putting things into perspective.
This morning, I sat at my kitchen table full of sadness and anxiety of what lay ahead after my mother’s death. Then I read your blog. Your retelling if this horrific experience helped put mine into perspective. Yes, we all need to move on with love, kindness and grace, but mostly with love. Our friends, family and loving community are instrumental in moving forward. As the saying goes, “No man is an island.”
My prayers and thoughts are with you, always.
Nancy Krahn (née Bianowicz)
Thank you Nancy. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the many wonderful memories you have of your Mom and the love of your family and friends bring you comfort as you move ahead. There’s a poem on our website –theeckels2.us — under the “Remembering” tab which I often read when I get very down about losing my Mom. It’s about love and grief. I think you will like it. Have a health and happy New Year, filled with lots of love.
I couldn’t get theeckels2.us. Could there be a letter or number missing.
Nancy
Hi Nancy…
http://theeckels2.us/ is the link. Try it from this link. It should work. Sent from my iPad
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I don’t even know what to say after reading your accounting. I too cried feeling the terror and danger. No wonder you have nightmares. I am so thankful my dear friends survived even though scathed. Only goes to show what wonderful people you are and that you are still needed on earth. Love to you both. Ruth and Marc
Thanks Ruthie and Marc. We’re well on our way to our new life thanks to the love and support of family like you. Have a great new year as you embark on a new phase of your life. Love and hugs.
Steve, My father John Saunders sent out the link to your blog and I read and was touched by every word. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I feel like I knew your mother, wife, pets and self while I learned your harrowing yet life affirming story. I am glad for my father and Anita that you must have become their new friends.
With heartfelt wishes to you and your wife,
Catherine Saunders Hartoch in Portland, Oregon
Thank you very much, Catherine, for taking the time to read it and for your very kind comments. We continue to rebuild our lives with the help of our new friends, your Dad and Anita among the best. John and I share Veteran status and hanging out at the pool. I often see him there where we both do our respective version of water exercise. He has a great sense of humor, one I enjoy immensely. And a keen sense of the political environment. I hope you visit him and Anita in the near future. It would be great to me you in person.
Thanks again and take care.