I was 6 years old when I learned that lesson. I walked home from school — for the first time — with the neighborhood kids to see my house in flames. The whole town it seemed was gathered on our very large front lawn. In a small town — fires are fought by the volunteer firemen & everyone turns out for a fire. It’s an EVENT! My friend’s mother grabbed me & took me in till the dust settled. But from across the street I watched.

Kids always absorb more than adults give them credit for. Any ‘thing’ I held dear was lost in that fire. I learned about letting go & moving on. And as a 6 year old — I found I was much better at it than as an adult.

So when I find myself hanging on to anything — I remember that day. Watching it all burn down from the safety of my neighbor’s home. Knowing my parents were ok. That I was ok. And that was all that mattered.

As you said — it’s always about the Humans. Never about the stuff.