Unity without disaster

Something stands out when flipping through the pages of the Blue Mountain Eagle from the past year.

As big as the Canyon Creek Complex fire was, it was dwarfed by something far greater. Despite the black cloud that hung over this county as houses burned, something uplifting was illuminated by the blaze.

Despite the differences of opinion, despite the inevitable bad news, despite the devastating fire — when the community faced its time of deepest need, people came together and worked together to help.

When people had nowhere to go, the community came together to provide shelter. When people had nothing to eat, the community came together to feed them. When people were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs, the community came together to provide them enough to get by. When people needed help, the community came together.

Watching the story play out — even in the two-dimensional pages of a weekly newspaper — provides a rich portrait of Grant County filled with depth and texture. Seeing the sadness and despair give way to unity and hope was like watching a ray of sunshine bursting through the cloud that darkened the hearts of all those who saw the ashes that remained of people’s lives.

The firefighters fought the good fight, but they did not beat the fire. The weather may have dampened the blaze, but it did not beat the fire. By working together and helping each other, the community beat the fire.

Homes may have been lost, but the community persevered. Mementos may have been lost, but the memories will be preserved.

It is amazing how an event charred with negativity can bring out the true grain and positive nature that is sometimes buried beneath a thick exterior.

As we turn the page to another year, we hope everyone remembers the beauty possible when people work together in harmony.

If the community can retain its unity when it is not facing a disaster, then it truly will be a happy new year.