Gratitude: A Story of Storm Life in California

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Remains from a wildfire that swept through some of California's most prized wine regions.

By: Kati Sheldon

Upon arrival in Santa Rosa, California in October of 2017, my first thoughts were gratitude: gratitude for sunny skies and palm trees; tepid weather and the smell of eucalyptus. This quickly changed as I was immediately driven through what can only be described as devastation. Entire blocks and neighborhoods had been burned to the ground, leaving ash filled water in dingy swimming pools and still smoking cars in driveways. Sometimes, one home would be left unscathed, with all the surrounding houses sacrificed to the flames due to the ever changing winds. But as our wonderful team worked so diligently and humbly to help the families in the Santa Rosa, Sonoma, and Napa areas whose still standing homes were affected, my mind came back to gratitude. The families showed so much gratitude by allowing us into their homes and lives to provide top quality restoration and give them a new start amidst tragedy. Gratitude radiated from the people at the Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, who put their faith in our team to restore multiple buildings on their grounds, even in the midst of art installations, office hours, and musters of peacocks (the museum’s mascots). And I couldn’t walk away from the experience without feeling immense gratitude towards SERVPRO of Boise and SERVPRO Corporate itself. I am so grateful to work for a franchise and a company that gives so much and works so hard to help our fellow man. I am grateful to work for a company whose service, each passing day, goes above and beyond. This is why SERVPRO exists and this is why gratitude is given.