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My Heartfelt Reflections on California’s Wildfires

From Australia to California, a Personal Connection to Tragedy, Recovery, and Hope

Dr Mehmet Yildiz
ILLUMINATION

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Photo by Eduardo Dutra from Pexels

Acts of nature like fires, floods, and earthquakes remind us of the mysterious forces beyond our control that shape our lives. These natural events, called “acts of God,” can happen any moment, anywhere, and destroy landscapes, displace families, and test our strength as humanity.

Human actions, intentional or unintentional, can worsen these crises. They can increase their impact and extend the suffering they bring. Together, these forces can destroy a local area. Yet, the recovery wishes come from people everywhere, beyond borders and cultures.

When I checked my email, a message said our home loan interest was increasing again, which annoyed me a bit. Then, the next message mentioned thousands of people were dealing with real-life crises, which instantly changed my perceptions.

I quickly began jotting down my thoughts, guided by deep empathy and compassion. I decided to turn my thoughts into a short story, hoping they might bring solace, inspire hope, and encourage reflection during this difficult time.

Today, I felt sad when reading and watching news about California facing the heartbreaking reality of wildfires. I felt…

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