Our area was just a few miles from the largest wildfire in Colorado's history.We were on"evacuation alert"(疏散警报).If we got the
(1) to evacuate,we would have to grab whatever we could to save and leave immediately.
We
(2) suitcases with a few clothes and toiletries(洗漱用品)and set them by the door.We didn't think these things were
(3) ,but time was.We moved the computers because I earned a living with my computer.Now,what else?We took family pictures off the
(4) and packed them in boxes.These were truly valuable and could not be replaced.
Then we took a hard look at all that
(5) .There was a lamp that belonged to my great grandmother.It was a
(6) to my family.A piano my wife learned to play when she was a little girl.It was not of
(7) in itself,but it was also another family connection.It was impractical to move everything from our home and store them for an indefinite time.Some important items would have to stay behind.
The thought of
(8) something passed down from our family saddened me deeply,
(9) I'd never been much attached to these things.It was about what they
(10) -family and love.They each had a story to tell,and some of them spoke in the
(11) of our parents and grandparents.
The fire
(12) reached our home.We were lucky.And although I felt grateful that all was
(13) ,I also realized just how fortunate I had been in another way.I saw just how rich my life had been.
Someone
(14) said,"There are people so poor that the only thing they have is money."And now I know I am indeed rich.I am rich in friends and family.Rich in memories.Rich in everything that has ever really
(15) to me.I am wealthier than I ever believed possible.
It took a fire to teach me.I wonder if there is any other kind of wealth worth seeking.