As Santa Cruz disappeared into a haze of smoke and ash, our mountain communities and fellow parishioners were losing their landscapes, views and, in some cases, their homes. Down the mountain and within the city limits neighborhoods were asked to prepare for evacuation. It seemed unreal, but ash-covered gardens, cars, and the smoky acrid air told everyone otherwise.
When UCSC was told to evacuate, it became a fact. Learning that parishioners in Bonny Doon, Scotts Valley, Felton, Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond had to evacuate made it a fear come true.
There are many stories of loss and hope in the Holy Cross community in the past week. Here is one:
Mary Sue Babb, lector and former Youth Director in the parish, and her husband, Paul, have lived in Bonny Doon for 19 years where they've enjoyed the vital, strong community surrounding them. When Paul's daughter Tracy, her husband Justin and small sons, Marshall and Wesley, had to evacuate their house in Boulder Creek Tuesday night, they went to their parents' house. It was the night before Marshall's 5th birthday, and he was wide awake with excitement when they arrived. Paul, a retired UCSC fire captain, kept a close watch on unfolding events. At 2:30 a.m. Wednesday they knew it was time to go. Piling into four vehicles, they headed down the hill. Justin's truck broke down, still in Bonny Doon, and they left it there. Hoping to find a quiet place to rest till morning, they drove to Holy Cross' parking lot.
As the sun rose on Marshall's 5th birthday, the caravan moved to the Safeway parking lot where two happy boys enjoyed a feast of donuts. Other evacuees from Bonny Doon had gathered there, and stories and questions of "where to now?" were exchanged. The hotels in Santa Cruz were filled with tourists, so Mary Sue finally found two rooms in Marina, and off they went for their third stop of the day.
After a day spent at the beach flying kites with his parents, grandparents and brother Wesley, the birthday boy blew out a big red #5 candle on his cake in their hotel room. The day seemed designed for the total enjoyment of a five-year-old celebrant, even while it was distracting his family from the anxiety of their homes in jeopardy. The next day the two families took off in different directions: Tracy and the boys to friends in Auburn, and Paul, Mary Sue and daughter Emily to friends near DeLaveaga. It wasn't too much later that Tracy and Justin learned they had lost their home. Heartbreaking. How do five and three-year-olds process that kind of loss? At this moment the family is still in Auburn and talking to their insurance company.
For now the Babb home is safe, but it will be days or even weeks before they can return with power restored. The clean-up ahead of them is unimaginable, the emotional toll even more so. Until they can return, Mary Sue and her family are staying in an Airbnb near Holy Cross.
Other parishioners have lost their homes as well - Beatrice Easter, Doug and Rose Gallagher as well as Tom Howser (a parishioner at St. John's in Felton) who helps count the weekly collections at Holy Cross. There are many more who have evacuated and perhaps have lost their homes. If you're reading this and know anyone from our parish family who might need help or simply the comfort of knowing they are being supported in prayer, please let us know by emailing bannerdays16@gmail.com The parish is also publishing a Community Classified Newsletter called "Connecting Hands" which has added a section for those affected by fires where you can find wish lists. It can be downloaded here.
Finally, we wish Mary Sue, Paul and their family the blessings of peace, consolation, hope and, of course, love that envelops them from dawn to dusk and through the night. Your parish family is holding you in our hearts. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Update, September 8, 2020: