3
The lessons of losing everything
Part of the Waldo Canyon fire is viewed on in Colorado Springs, Colo.
To view this content, Javascript must be enabled and Adobe Flash Player must be installed.
The wildfires in Colorado served as a reminder this week that financial independence needs to encompass the ability to survive catastrophe. Thousands of people lost everything in the inferno that's been burning for almost a month now -- among them Mike and Sharon Guli of Paradise Park. They were evacuated three weeks ago; they're still living in a hotel. The Hyde Park fire took their home and their livelihood. They don't have access to the building where they made historic Old West clothing.
The couple is surprisingly chipper, even though their house has completely burned to the ground.
"One way or the other, it's going to work out," Mike Guli said. "And we will be able to cover everything, 'cause that's who we are."
Aside from being optimistic and positive, the couple talked about how they financially prepared for disasters. Listen to the audio above for their tips.
We appreciate the tenacity of the couple interviewed who drew strength on their independence and saw themselves as their ticket back. That is what all wish. It is important to remind people mostly in the South and the Midwest who shout loudly for this 'taking care of oneself' philosophy of not looking for help from others and government, that these two regions of the country receive more public assistance by far then the East and West Coasts combined. Coincidently, it is the taxes from the Coasts that fund all these social programs for the South and Midwest, whether schools, healthcare, or disaster relief, while the economies of the South and Midwest, agriculture and seafood, are largely 'cash' economies that avoid paying taxes. Let's not forget the largest of corporate welfare, the oil industry. So, whereas I'm sure that this independent couple truly feels they are independent, they may think what life would be like if FEMA and Red Cross weren't there and if their tax rates represented all of what it costs to keep the basics of civil society afloat. I know that the East and West Coast are getting tired of all its tax revenue being sent to these disaster areas where people scorn the very idea of paying taxes.
Mike and Sharon Guli gave some priceless advise that I hope listeners remember. We have important papers, medications, pet carrier, laptop, and camping gear ready to take if we need to leave since we live in the California Sierras where we have had bad fires in the past. One thing we know is the less you have the less you have to lose. Nice thing about belonging to the Small House Society where one learns whats really important.
I live in Estes Park and we just had a fire one week ago today and lost 22 homes. We were lucky to have the High Park fire so close...they sent 4 choppers and 2 planes very quickly. We had high winds that day which without air support we could have lost the town.
My home was in the direction the wind was blowing so I loaded my car with things important to me. I put in my fly-fishing gear, ski gear, camping gear. I then loaded dog food and cat food for the pets. I do have a fire proof safe with important documents to grab at the last minute.
I felt that if I lost my home, I only needed my hobbies with me. Later that day I took the dogs for a walk towards town. I spoke with an elderly woman in her 80's. I told her what I packed...she said "Look in my car." I peered into her Subaru wagon and all she had in the back was all her knitting yarns.
After listening to Mike and Sharon's story it is just that positive attitude that is common with us mountain folk. We have let go of the "normal" materialist lifestyles and know what is important to each of us. We are a resilient folk.
I was lucky, I did not lose my home. But as a community we are doing a fundraiser for those that lost everything. Also, I donated furniture to a friend's employee that did lose all he had.
I agree with Mike...you must be prepared at all times...then if you have to evacuate you are less stressed and you have with you just what is important to you. I know that being outdoors and doing what I love is all I need in life....that and my animals.
Text "FIRE" to 80000 to donate $10 to the mGive Colorado Fire Fund. I did. Also there is www.HelpColoradoNow.org for other options to help. Our state as lost a lot...but I wouldn't live anywhere else in the world.
