Middletown >> “What I learned from my fire experience is that we can’t always control what happens to us, but we do always have a choice about how we respond,” said Sandra Millers Younger, a survivor of the historic Cedar Fire of 2003.
At the Twin Pine Casino in Middletown this afternoon, Younger will be speaking at the Soroptimists International of Clear Lake Luncheon about the devastating experience of losing her home to a raging fire, and what she’s learned since. A second appearance by Younger will follow tomorrow morning at the Unitarian Universalist Community in Kelseyville.
When the Cedar Fire torched upwards of 208,000 acres, Younger and her husband barely escaped the flames, but they were more fortunate than 12 of their neighbors, who lost their lives. As a journalist and storyteller by trade, Younger knew she had to put her experience down on paper. “I always wanted to write a book. I was a professional writer,” she said. “I’d never done it … Then I got this opportunity to write about the biggest story I could imagine falling into my lap.”
It took Younger a decade to write her book, “The Fire Outside my Window: a Survivor Tells the True Story of California’s Epic Cedar Fire,” which was released on the 10th anniversary of the blaze. Her story has become about much more than one fire, however. Through the book, Younger has been able to speak with fire victims at events like today’s luncheon and provide them with some much-needed hope for the future.
“I’m really so happy that I have a chance to come and offer a perspective from a little farther down this road,” she said. “There is so much to learn from these situations that put us in places we don’t want to be.”
When the Valley Fire blackened much of south Lake County last September, Younger followed the news closely. It was a stark reminder of her own experience 13 years ago. In the weeks and months following, she possessed a strong desire to pay a visit to the county and provide support for the many affected residents, even if that support was only in the form of a hug. “It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “You do know what it’s like to come home to a pile of ashes. You do know how complicated and what a long process it is to rebuild.”
So when friends in the area asked Younger if she would speak at the Soroptimists Luncheon, she was enthusiastic about the idea. She hopes her speech can provide a dose of optimism for the future. “I also know that it’s possible to come back and that this long road does lead somewhere and that it’s possible to even find fortune in the misfortune,” she said. “That’s what I’ve learned.”
For Younger, fortune came in the form of the achievement of a lifelong dream of becoming a published author. But with it also came the opportunity to help, even to save lives. When her book was first released she made appearances on news stations, where she spoke on the steps to take before, during and after a disaster. She’s traveled around the country, talking with emergency responders and planners, who are also recovering from their own intense experiences.
In the end, she’s thankful for all that she has gained from tragedy. “We can let these things crush us,” Younger said, “or we can choose to survive and thrive and even turn the worst stuff that’s ever happened to us into blessings for ourselves and for others.”
At today’s luncheon, copies of Younger’s book will be available. She’s looking forward to meeting the community, providing insight and signing her books for anyone interested. And she hopes fire victims walk away from the event with something of an improved outlook on their situation. “I want them to know that they’re going to be okay,” Younger said. “The future wont look exactly like the past, but it’s possible that in some ways a new future can be richer than what we knew before.”
The Soroptimists Luncheon begins today at 11:30 a.m. at the Twin Pine Casino Event Center in Middletown. Seating is limited. Call 998-1302 for information on tickets. Twin Pine Casino is located at 22223 Hwy. 29.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
