Geyserville’s mail carrier was back in her delivery truck shortly after losing her home in the Kincade fire.
Bernadette Laos, 59, has been the town’s mail carrier for 18 years. She makes 500 deliveries a day along her 80-mile route.
The most difficult part of the job is driving by what used to be her little red farmhouse, now burned to the ground.
“Both of us only had pajamas on. Nothing else,” she recalled. "Not one single thing in our hand."
When she returned home, she found a sentimental possession.
“I was hoping to find my dad’s wedding ring, but we did find my husband’s and basically nothing else,” she said.
Returning to work, only three days after coming home to ashes, was an easy choice for her.
“I’d rather go to work than cry every day,” she said.
Customers along her route offered hugs. Some asked if she needed clothing or food.
David Hubole sees her every day.
“She’s seen my kids grow up, my pets, she’s seen everything,” Young said.
The community has set up a GoFundMe page to help Laos and her family with their losses. The Geyserville Coffee Company is also accepting donations.
“I’m lucky for the hugs and support,” Laos said. “I have an army behind me.”