Virginia's mother (Jane) and grandfather (grandpa) came in to Philly for Thanksgiving. They were wonderful guests and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and everything was wonderful.
On Saturday, we went to see Hubble at an IMAX theater. Oddly, at this theater they ask you to climb some stairs to exit, rather than just going out the way you came in. Well, 91 year-old grandpa successfully conquered the steps, but once he got to the top he wobbled/tripped on his feet and fell. He landed on his hip. After much ado, we get him to the hospital. Turns out he fracture the head of his femur where it joins into the socket of the hip. His surgery is today.
However, while we're all waiting around in the hospital on Saturday, Jane and Virginia start getting frantic phone calls. Jane's house in Indiana is on fire. OH OKAY WHAT.
The initial details were sketchy but painted a bleak picture. Which I guess you would expect with A HOUSE FIRE. Of course, we're hundreds of miles away and can't really do anything.
SO THAT'S MY THANKSGIVING. This has been one hell of a weekend. And while I feel bad for grandpa, I know that he'll be okay, ultimately. The fire has been the most affecting event. This was a house full of stuff, certainly, but also full of memories. Jane's life was encapsulated in this house. What do you do when it's just a shell? Where do you go?
This sort of experience always makes me introspective. I find myself thinking about what things I would desperately hope were okay (aside from people and pets because DUH). Here are my results:
- A clock my grandfather gave me
- Things Virginia has given me over the years
- My two guitars (I can get another amp)
- Computer
- Masters diploma
- All my damn books
Aaaand.... honestly, that's basically it. I mean, I would certainly be relieved if certain items made it out (Wii, external hard drive, clothing, shoes, etc), but I think I'd be relatively okay if they didn't.
And of course, being an academic, I start asking questions like: to what extent do we define ourselves by the things we own?
But I'm curious... what items would be on your list?
(They suspect the fire started in the garage and climbed up the backside of the house. There is much more that is salvageable/okay than we previously thought. The house is still a loss, but it could have been worse.)
Have you read my blog (rhetorical. I know you have)? I AM my things. It's a sad fact (but shameless self-promotion! www.casualtiesofthehoard.blogspot.com).
ReplyDeleteYou've also probably read this, as you link to the main page on your site, but I thought I'd share my favorite McSweeney's column, Total Loss (http://www.mcsweeneys.net/links/totalloss/totaloss1.html), which deals with just this sort of thing.
All that being said (and tactlessly advertised), I am heartily sorry about the fire and VA's grandpa's injury. I wish everyone a much less eventful Christmas season.
Yeah, I am pretty much MY THINGS too, but I've gotten way better in the past few years.
ReplyDeleteI only read McSweeney's sporadically, personally, but I will check out that column.
And thank you =)