California

I got back from my visit to L.A. and life seemed routine just weeks after the devastating fires. There was a four year old's birthday to celebrate.

And her brother is at an age where a funny book elicits a good laugh.

It all seemed so normal, just like before the fires. It rained the weekend I was there. Actually it poured, but there were no reports of mudslides in the burn areas, just a lot of all day much needed rain. 

But there was a difference. My son and daughter in law told me how rattled they had been. My son had a work colleague who lost his home. My daughter in law talked openly about her panic and fear, although they did not have to evacuate. 

In 2018 during the Woolsey fire they did have to evacuate, and now, just a few years later it all came back and she said she realized they are not safe where they live.

She grew up in Ventura county and is a California girl through and through. My grandkids are California kids. She would never ever leave, she can't imagine living anywhere else and would never consider a place that has cold winters. And now they are talking about leaving.

But they have no idea where to go and like so many, they have full lives, jobs, friends, family and connections where they are. A home they love. A life.

I doubt they will make a change any time soon, but it was unnerving to hear them talk about how vulnerable they feel now.

But to me, an outsider to California, the weekend was comfortable and pleasant -- even the rain. But what a world these little grandkids are growing up in. What will the future hold for them? Where is safe?