Jim and Bonnie Mendenhall live on the East Grade on Palomar Mountain. Their property was completely burned in the fire. Thankfully, their home was saved. Bonnie sent the following message to my personal email address, not realizing we have the PalMtnNews Broadcast. I asked if I could share it with all of you, as I was certain you'd also appreciate her message on 'Courage'... --- Bonnie Phelps

In checking my e-mail when I went back to work, there was an inspirational message on 'Courage'. What a perfect topic for this past week of the fire. I think Mother's Kitchen was courageous, as they made meals for East Grade families and friends, who surely needed their support. Guy Botti and Dutch Bergman running their dozers in the dark, courageously faced the fire as it came down the hill from the Dyche Valley toward our home.

The firefighters who came from all over the Southwest selflessly put themselves into the suppression of the fire. Unsung heroes were the Inmate Crews who built handlines by cutting through brush, trees, and steep canyons into places that can be reached no other way. The remarkable aspect of their work was that this was done in the worst of the smoke and fire and most often in the in the dark of night. So many people were courageous in their efforts to help and support the East Grade families so many different ways. For all these things I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.

One other courageous person needs to be recognized: My husband, Jim. He built our home so that it could be defended from fire. I remember the planning, thought and research he went through when he designed our home. It has really paid off. He showed courage when he sent me down the hill on Saturday to wait out the fire. He tells me now he didn't know if he would see me again when he sent me off. He wasn't sure what would happen when the fire came over the house.

Nonetheless, this fire has affected us in many ways that can't be seen. The scars of the burn will eventually fade, the lessons learned will never go away.

Thanks to All,

Bonnie Mendenhall