California

It destroyed acres of wilderness area and dozens of homes. One neighborhood, on a bluff overlooking the ocean, was particularly hard hit. On a sweeping street that spanned the bluff, every home on both sides of the street was burnt to the foundation -- with the exception of one. There, a valiant/crazy homeowner made his stand. Pumping water out of his pool, he stood on the roof, fought the flames, and won. His home was left unscathed in a devastated landscape.

It was madness to stay in the face of the onslaught, but he did and he prevailed. It is stories like this which propel some to stay and defend their homes, hoping against hope they'll emerge victorious as well. Too often, they become casualties instead, or are rescued by first responders.

But it's not only brazen bravura which compels some to stay and fight against such odds. In other cases -- and it may be your elderly friend's position -- they've nothing else but their home and all its attendant memories, and they'd rather be destroyed with their love than live with the ashes.

In both cases, the motivation is not hard to see. Difficult, if not impossible, for some to understand. But the clarion call to bravery, and the sweet melodic pull of love, give rise to emotions we cannot fathom in the stillness outside the conflagration. We can only wish them well, then share in their triumph or mourn their passing.