Driving through fire

I am able to write this post from the safety of my home with my baby sleeping in the room next to me and my girl at school. I am feeling blessed today. My mom and I were taking a vacation in Gatlinburg last weekend when the wild fire spread. I remember looking out the window of our cabin and the mountain was glowing. We grabbed the kids and got out of the cabin as fast as we could. As we drove down the mountain the fire was crossing the road in front of us and burning right outside our window. I have never been so frightened.  

I think what surprised me the most was the overwhelming fear/love I had for my children in those moments. It is hard to put into words but all I could think about was keeping them safe. 

Seeing the news reports now makes it all seem so surreal. Our cabin burned to the ground along with all the stuff we left behind. But in retrospect I would have done the exact same thing. As long as my family was safe nothing else matters. My mom was incredibly brave and I am so thankful we were together. 

I am just going to give my kids a few more kisses and hugs in the weeks to come.