Vida couple finds strength after losing nearly everything in wildfire

Marcia and Carey Anderson have been married for 45 years, but have been together for 50.

They returned to their Vida property to see for themselves what was left.

Nearly everything was gone.

Outside containment lines.

All the evacuation notices were lifted for the holiday farm fire this week.

This -- as many evacuees return home for the*first time in weeks.

Many sifted through the ashes and reflected on the long road ahead of them -- as they come to terms with their new reality.

Kezi 9 news reporter kennedy dendy spent the day with one couple -- who to their surprise -- found some items that are irreplacable.

Marcia and carey: "we are going to rebuild.

We are mckenzie strong.

We belong here, and our community is incredible."

It was an emotional and overwhelming*return for marcia and carey anderson...who have lived on the mckenzie river since 1987.

Married for 45 years and together for 50.

"we're strong apart but we're a force when we're together."

Walking through ash, debris and crumbled pieces&.they say what remains is*still their "little piece of heaven."

Bridge: the fire swept right through here, leaving their beautiful home in ruins.

But the andersons tell me there's still hope because they have their lives and the love they share for one another.

And it was chief rainbow with the upper mckenzie rural fire district and her family who came to their rescue.

They also lost their home.

Marcia: "she literally saved our lives.

We went to bed at 8:30.

We had no idea this was going on."

Among it all, hidden gems were*still spotted.

Marcia nat: "i just found two coffee mugs.

Greatest treasure ever."

And rings that marcia holds so close to her heart.

Marcia nat: "i'm so thrilled...just shine em up."

But the most special find of it all... carey nat: "this was my main concern finding my dad again.

Me too..because we just reunited.

The ashes of*both of their fathers.

Now, they wait for their insurance company to come and clear everything out.

Carey nat: "you're looking at stuff and going what the heck was that."

But not until...a few*last searches because marcia's wedding ring is still missing.

(embracing) : "oh yeah, this is what it's all about."

Reporting in vida kennedy