Helpless

Several members of my family in California were forced to evacuate their homes due to the out of control wildfires.  Among the relatives evacuated were my uncle, who's home in Rice Canyon he spent the better part of 30 years building himself, and my grandmother who's in her 80's.  Her whole life was in her home. 

Obviously, the most important thing, for which we are all grateful, is that they all escaped injury and are safe, staying with other relatives in the area.  Word from the grapevine is that Grandma's home is gone, her entire mobile home park incinerated by the fire. (This is a picture of a home from her mobile home park during the fire).  No word yet on my uncle's house.

My first instinct is to throw Alex in the car and drive down to be with my family, to help in any way I can.  Help dig through rubble to find anything that can be salvaged.  However, better judgment kicks in when I realize that a freshly burned trailer park is no place for a two year old to run around, and I wouldn't be of much help if I'm chasing Alex.  Not to mention I'm in no condition to be lifting heavy objects or inhaling smoke and ash being pregnant.  Even just being there for moral support isn't realistic due to there being nowhere for me to stay.  Hotels are full of evacuee's and my relatives in the area's guest rooms and sofas are occupied with my evacuated relatives and possibly their own friends and families who may have had to flee.  So I'm left here to worry and wait for any news and feel utterly helpless to help my loved ones.