
Amidst the raging wildfires in California, a heartwarming yet concerning voicemail left by Randall “Randy” Miod to his mother, Carol Smith, sheds light on the determination of individuals to protect their homes.
On January 7, Miod called his mother to inform her that he had decided not to evacuate despite the proximity of the fires to his residence. In the voicemail, he expressed his nervousness about the situation and requested his mother to pray for the affected areas of Palisades and Malibu.
Smith, who missed Miod's initial call as she was out for lunch, later spoke to him on her cell phone. She advised him to evacuate to a shelter for safety, but Miod, adamant about defending his house, mentioned that he had a garden hose and was prepared to stay behind.



Smith, touched by her son's determination, expressed her relief at having the voicemail as a keepsake. She believed that Miod may not have fully grasped the severity of the situation and the potential danger posed by the advancing flames.
The incident underscores the emotional turmoil faced by residents during natural disasters, torn between the desire to protect their homes and the necessity of ensuring personal safety. It also highlights the strong bond between a mother and son, with Smith's concern for Miod's well-being evident in her advice to prioritize his safety.
As wildfires continue to pose a threat to communities in California, stories like Miod's serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination exhibited by individuals in the face of adversity.