Hi...my son and daughter in law and 4 grandkids became displaced after a fast burning fire roared through their house last night at approx 7:45. Fortunately, they weren't home when the fire started, but arrived at the same time the fire department did. I am so blessed that none of them were injured. They did, however loose their beloved golden retreiver, Bella. The Captain of the fire department called it a "catsrophic loss", meaning they were able to salvage nothing. The Red Cross was on scene almost immediately, and took care of their immediate and basic needs. They now have no home, no clothes, no food, no toys, no nothing. It's all just too much. Please keep theym in your thoughts.
Oh, Diane, I am so very sorry to hear this! At least no one was injured. But I'm also sorry for the loss of Bella. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I cannot imagine this kind of terrible loss...it is bad enough when your home or car is broken into but a fire..and to have lost everything...I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear this.
One thing I did when a cousin's house burned down, I gathered up all of my new towels, kitchen towels and wash cloths, household things and then sat down and reproduced pictures..as many as I had of aunts and uncles, grandparents etc and sent it off to an address they had for temp housing. If some siblings or cousins etc are close enough maybe a "care package" like that would help a little. I shared things that had been given me from my grandmother like handkies she made for my mom that had tatting..gave one or two.( that was a sacrifice) and a few keepsakes so she would have something too.
Small gestures like that can lead to some healing..
I'm so sorry for your son's family. It must be devistating for them and the grandkids. Thank God that everyone was ok.
Do they live close to you or any other family member? Several years ago my husbands brother's house was struck by a tornado. They had to demolish the house and rebuild another one. Their insurance co. set the family up in an apartment.
Oh Diane..............I am sooooooo sorry. Do they know yet what started it? A fire has to be the worst. I cannot begin to imagine how they feel..and will continue to feel in the months and years to come when they start to reach for something that no longer exists. I've never known anyone who lost everything in a fire...but certainly know people who lost everything when Hurricane Ike wiped their homes off the face of the earth two years ago.
Is there something all of us can do to help? Of course, you KNOW they will be in our prayers..just as you prayed for us. Nancy*
How terrible. And to lose the dog too! what a loss. I'll be praying for your family, especially the kids. but don't forget thank you prayers that you son, his wife and the kids are unhurt, physically. things can always be replaced. I liked MImi's idea, and I had done something similar for a friend with sending old photos of their family. Pictures are the one thing that people miss. I'm sure you have plenty to share. Hugs to all.
Thank you everyone! It has been a devistating 24 hours. We were there today sifting through the rubble. Only came up with 1 photo that wasn't touched. Mimi, that photo idea is great! I've spoken to several family member and friends, and we're collecting "memories". Trish, they only live a couple of blocks from us, so they are close. The Red Cross has given them motel vouchers, but right now they're staying with friends. I've never been through anything like this...don't know how to act or what to think. Just numb....and exhausted! Thanks again for all your prayers and support. It means the world to me!
I'm so sorry for your family. This is terrible, but thankfully they are safe. Still, I feel for the pet, I'd hate to have that happen. They're so good.
Years ago our neighbors, who are close friends, lost their home to a fire also. They lost 3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 birds---only 1 cat survived the fire. She told me later that the most important thing during that time was that we were there when she needed to talk or just have a place to clean up, eat, etc. while they were trying to salvage anything. There is nothing anyone can say to make it better. My heart goes out to your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help...
Diane, many years ago a house in our neighborhood burned. One of our neighbors went house to house collecting household goods, clothing etc. We all put in whatever we could, an extra pot, a towel, a couple coffee mugs, an extra toaster, whatever was available to fill up the trailer that the insurance company provided for them to live in while their home was rebuilt. They were so grateful. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Prayers are still going up.