From Disaster to Solace, One Days Journey

Tired, there is not a better word for how I feel sitting at the airport in Texas waiting for a flight that will whisk me in the direction of the Pagan Spirit Gathering. After days of dealing with a wildfire in New Mexico my personal ability to think, act or remain aware of my surroundings is spent.

This was a difficult assignment, many homes were lost in the early hours. Remaining focused on actions I needed to take to accomplish the mission I was assigned was difficult. Details needed to be attended to, decisions made and resources mobilized, yet in the back of my mind I could not let go of the image of what the home owners were going to find upon return to their lost homes. There in lies the rub, individuals who care about other individuals struggle when faced with having to put aside their personal emotions in favor of a disconnected approach that allows them to asses facts and determine actions that support operational objectives.

Yes I am a professional responder, yet the emotional toll these assignments take on me is a reflection of why I do what I do. This is a struggle that both saps and feeds my spirit; strange how life works.

Complicating all of this was the political nature of the incident. VIPs came out of the woodwork due to the high profile of the event. While there intent to provide support was clear, it remains that their presence manifested additional challenges for the team to meet. Awe is the only word I can use to describe how this was handled by those responsible for dealing with these additional and highly sensitive communications.

Today I leave for a rest and recharge at PSG. I plan to wallow in the loving, supportive and creative community that I have always experienced at PSG.  The timing could not be better.

A big Thank You, to Selina Fox, and the entire PSG staff for providing me such a safe and supportive place to return to.