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My heart goes out to Ivan. My husband and I are volunteer firefighters, and have seen the kind of loss that Ivan has sustained. Thank goodness that he wasn't trapped, as he has said. (Public service announcement: Smoke Detectors -- Don't stay home without one!) For a note of encouragement, Ivan, you have your memories. Those indelible images that you carry in your heart of your time in South Africa, your poetry, your artwork. Strengthen those memories by sharing them with your family, friends, even acquaintances. Describe them in as much detail as you can - keeping them with you always. Meanwhile, build a storehouse of new treasures. . . remembering, though, that stuff is usually not as important as people. Good luck . . and enjoy the rebuilding process (once the shock wears off). Diane McHutchison Englishtown, NJ USA [log in to unmask]