Family loses everything in fire
Donation protected
I am a special education teacher at North Salinas High School. A few teachers from the district are coming together and starting this campaign for a family who recently lost everything in a fire. I was very fond of their son, Brando, who tragically died in the fire. He was in the class next door to me during my first year of teaching. We ate lunch together frequently, per his request. I'll never forget how impressed I was when he asked me to dance at the Valentine's Day Dance. He was sweet, mischievous, and had an incredible sense of humor. He always made me smile. He spent the last two years at the Salinas Education Center, where many more teachers had the opportunity to get to know and work with Brando. The fire has taken everything from this family, including the life of their son. They are currently living in a hotel. They need our help to find housing, purchase clothing and household supplies, and pay their hospital bills and funeral costs.
http://www.kionrightnow.com/news/local-news/Man-killed-in-Saturday-morning-apartment-fire-in-Salinas/34863740
Here are some memories from teachers who were blessed with the opportunity to grow and learn with Brando.
"Those that worked with him knew him as a sweet guy with mischievous sense of humor. One of my favorite memories is of him is when he insisted that the class do the chicken dance."
Below is a letter from the family.
“Life and It’s Purposes”
(If you set your mind to it, you can do it)
I, one more immigrant like millions of others, I’m a person that came here to the United States with the intension of exceling and succeeding, working hard for a purpose; to bring my family with me to the United States to be together and excel.
We are five in the family: myself (father), my wife and my 3 sons, one with AUTISM. He was the one I was more concerned of leaving behind.
After four long years, I brought my wife with me to work and in this way save enough money to bring our children that stayed behind with their grandparents. Two years later we brought one of them, the one that concerned us the most, our son with Autism. Once my son was here, we began looking for help and thanks first to God and San Andreas Regional Center that helped us a lot with my son’s disability, we found it. Two years later, we brought over our older son, he was of age and he could work to help us bring his younger brother so the whole family could be together. After a year, we reached our purpose, to be reunited the entire family and very happy.
Well, after nine long years, we reached our purpose: finally, my golden dream became a reality thanks to God. With many sacrifices, from me as well as from them but we made it.
WHAT A WONDER!
We were very happy, some going to school and others working. Until a disgrace fell upon us and once again separated us.
On the 22nd of August 2015 at 9:20 a.m, while my wife and I were working, we received a phone call that there had been an accident in our apartment and that we needed to be there as soon as possible. My world came crashing down, we arrived at our destination: our home. The street was filled with ambulances, police, and a dozen fire fighters which were helping out our children.
My younger son, after seeing that nothing could be done for his brother, jumped from the second floor. There he lay on the floor with a pain of impotence than ran throughout his body and a broken arm.
The same can be said for my oldest son, he opened the door of his bedroom to rescue his brother who was in the living room but he was unable to do anything. As he opened the door, the flames came towards him and he was unable to do anything, he was not able to rescue his brother who was in the living room. He worked his way to the window and also jumped from the second floor dropping down.
He got up and saw his younger brother, who had also jumped and had a broken arm and was laying very still on the floor.
The eldest after seeing that his brother with a broken arm was no longer in danger of death, ran to the front of the apartment building, tried to open the door to rescue his brother. He kicked and pushed the door, but it was useless. His brother, with autism, was trapped inside and it was impossible to get him out. The flames, smoke, all of it had caused his brother’s death, in other words my son’s death, my son whom I love and will continue to love always. He was always on my mind and heart.
The fire fighters came and did their job, they tried to save my son’s life but nothing could be done. I felt like time stood still but flew by at the same time.
Afterwards, we went to the hospital where both of my children were, the eldest and youngest. Both had been checked. The youngest, 15 years old, had an immense pain in his lower back and a broken arm. The eldest only had minor scrapes.
We as parents only have one pain, an intense pain inside that we are unsure of when it will ease up, a pain that we don’t wish upon any one else because it goes so deep.
Finally I would like to share this phrase, “We are not alone, there is a God all powerful that is with us, that never abandons us and that always will protect us because he has said himself that all who do his bidding, even if we die will live again.” His name is JEHOVA. And that should make us stronger. “Thank you Jehovah for existing”
Alfredo Arenas—Father 48 years old.
María de los Ángeles Quiróz—Mother 43 years old.
Cristian Arenas—Eldest son 23 years old.
Brando Arenas—deceased son 20 years old.
Brayan Arenas—Youngest Son 15 years old.
We believe in resurrection and we have vowed to see him again.
“La vida y sus propósitos”
(Si te lo propones, lo logras)
Yo, un emigrante más como millones de gente, soy una persona que vino aquí a USA con la intención de superarse y salir adelante trabajando arduamente. Para lograr un propósito, traer a mi familia conmigo a USA para estar juntos y superarnos.
Somos cinco de familia: yo (papá), mi esposa y mis 3 hijos, uno de ellos con la discapacidad de AUTISMO. Era el que más me preocupaba haberlo dejado.
Después de largos 4 años, me traje a mi esposa, para trabajar y así juntar dinero y traernos a nuestros hijos que se habían quedado con sus abuelitos. Dos años después, nos trajimos a uno de ellos, el que más nos preocupaba el que estaba discapacitado con Autismo. Ya estando aquí mi hijo, buscamos ayuda para él y la encontramos gracias a Dios primero y al programa de San Andreas Regional Center, que nos ayudó mucho con el caso de mi hijo. Dos años más tarde nos trajimos a nuestro hijo el mayor, ya era mayor de edad y podía ayudarnos a trabajar y poder traer a su hermano menos para estar juntos toda la familia. Después de un año logramos nuestro propósito, estar toda la familia reunida y muy felices.
Bueno después de 9 largos años, logramos nuestro propósito: por fin mi sueño dorado estaba cumplido gracias a Dios. Con muchos sacrificios, tanto de mi como todos ellos pero lo logramos.
¡QUE MARAVILLA!
Éramos muy felices, unos estudiando otros trabajando. Hasta que vino una desgracia que nuevamente nos separó.
22 de agosto 2015 9:20 AM, trabajando mi esposa y yo, recibimos una llamada al celular. Había un accidente en nuestro departamento y necesitábamos estar ahí lo más pronto posible. El mundo se me derrumbaba, llegamos a nuestro destino: nuestra casa. La calle estaba llena de ambulancias, patrullas y una decena de bomberos que estaban brindando ayuda a mis hijos.
Mi hijo el menor, después de que miro que ya no podía hacer nada por su hermano, se lanzó desde el 2do piso, quedando tirado en el piso con un dolor intenso de impotencia, de todo su cuerpo y un brazo roto.
Lo mismo mi hijo el mayor, abrió la puerta de recamara, para ir al rescate de su hermano, que estaba en la sala pero no pudo hacer nada. Al abrir la puerta, las llamas se le vinieron encima y no pudo hacer nada, no puedo rescatar a su hermano que se encontraba en la sala. Como pudo, se lanzó por la ventana desde el 2do piso también, cayendo al precipicio. Se levantó, miro a su otro hermano que se había lanzado también anteriormente, él tenía un brazo roto e inmóvil en el piso.
El hermano mayor, mirando que su hermano con un brazo roto ya no estaba en riesgo de muerte, corrió para el frente de los departamentos tratando de abrir la puerta y así rescatar a su otro hermano, pateando, empujando la puerta, pero fue inútil. Su hermano, el que tenía Autismo, había quedado adentro atrapado, fui imposible sacarlo. Las llamas, el humo, todo aquello había causado la muerte de su hermano, ósea mi hijo, que tanto quiero y seguiré queriendo por siempre. Siempre lo llevaré en mi mente y en mi corazón.
Los bomberos llegaron, hicieron su trabajo por la vida de mi hijo, no pudieron hacer nada. Yo sentía que el tiempo no avanzaba pero a la vez sentía que volaba.
Posteriormente, nos fuimos al hospital en donde ya estaban mis dos hijos, el mayor y el menor. Ya los habían revisado, el menor de 15 años tenía un inmenso dolor en su espalda y un brazo roto. El mayor de 23 años, solo lastimaduras leves. Nosotros como padres solo tenemos un dolor, un dolor interior muy intenso que no sabemos cuándo pasara. Un dolor que no se le desea nadie porque es un dolor muy profundo.
Finalmente, quisiera compartir estas frases:
No estamos solos, hay un Dios todo poderoso que está con nosotros, que no nos abandona nunca y que siempre nos protegerá, porque El mismo ha dicho que el que haga Su voluntad, aunque muera llegara a vivir. Su nombre es
“JEHOVA”
Y eso debe fortalecernos.
“GRACIAS JEHOVA POR EXISTIR”
Papá Alfredo Arenas 48 años
Mamá María de los Ángeles Quiroz 43 años
Hijo mayor Cristian Arenas 23 años
Hijo fallecido Brando Arenas 20 años
Hijo menor Brayan Arenas 15 años
Creemos en la resurrección y nos hemos PROPUESTO volver a verlo.
"I remember the last time I saw Brando was on my little sister's birthday, he was immensely happy! My sister Nancy Garcia, was in his class. This past August 11th myself accompanied by our older brother and friends went into their classroom to take a birthday cake, pizza, and drinks for the class. That day not only was my sister happy to see what we brought but the whole class as well, especially Brando. Throughout the entire time there "Mano" as my sister calls him, greeted us with that beautiful smile only he knew how to do, (those who knew him could relate). He even made my sister a birthday card (as shown above) as a gift from him. Brando was a special young man, who charmed everyone instantly. He was especially courteous with the beautiful girls. He would say "hi" and waved to us every time he got a chance to. He was too cute. Like Brando my sister can't speak; the little she does is simply to say basic things. I now ask her where you're at to see what her response is and she looks up at me and says, "with God," "con Diosito." You will always be remembered Brando! It was an honor to have met you. We love you and hope to see you again soon.
- with much love and respect,
Lizbeth and Nancy Garcia
Recuerdo la ultima ves que vi a Brando, fue en el cumpleaños de mi hermanita. El estaba imensamente feliz! Mi hermana, Nancy Garcia, estaba en su clase. Este pasado 11 de Agosto yo, acompañada por mi hermano mayor y unas amigas fuimos a su clase a llevarles un pastel, pizzas, y bebidas. Ese dia no solamente mi hermana estubo feliz, si no toda la clase en especial, Brando. Durante el tiempo en la clase "Mano," como le dice mi hermanita, nos recibio con esa gran sonrisa que lo caracterisaba. (Todos lo que lo conocieron saben de lo que hablo). Ese dia le hizo una tarjeta a mi hermana como regalo de su cumpleaños (mostrado el la foto de arriba). Brando era un niño muy especial, quien lograba encantar a todos instantaniamente. Era especialmente volado con la muchachas bonitas. A cada rato nos saludaba y nos sonreia. Para mi era lo hermoso. Como Brando, mi hermana no puede hablar; lo poquito que puede pronunciar son cosas basicas. Le pregunto ahora que en donde estas, voltea a verme y me dice, "con Diosito." Siempre te recordaremos Brando! Fue un honor el haberte conocido. Te amamos, nos volveremos a ver pronto.
-con mucho amor y respeto,
Lizbeth and Nancy Garcia"
http://www.kionrightnow.com/news/local-news/Man-killed-in-Saturday-morning-apartment-fire-in-Salinas/34863740
Here are some memories from teachers who were blessed with the opportunity to grow and learn with Brando.
"Those that worked with him knew him as a sweet guy with mischievous sense of humor. One of my favorite memories is of him is when he insisted that the class do the chicken dance."
Below is a letter from the family.
“Life and It’s Purposes”
(If you set your mind to it, you can do it)
I, one more immigrant like millions of others, I’m a person that came here to the United States with the intension of exceling and succeeding, working hard for a purpose; to bring my family with me to the United States to be together and excel.
We are five in the family: myself (father), my wife and my 3 sons, one with AUTISM. He was the one I was more concerned of leaving behind.
After four long years, I brought my wife with me to work and in this way save enough money to bring our children that stayed behind with their grandparents. Two years later we brought one of them, the one that concerned us the most, our son with Autism. Once my son was here, we began looking for help and thanks first to God and San Andreas Regional Center that helped us a lot with my son’s disability, we found it. Two years later, we brought over our older son, he was of age and he could work to help us bring his younger brother so the whole family could be together. After a year, we reached our purpose, to be reunited the entire family and very happy.
Well, after nine long years, we reached our purpose: finally, my golden dream became a reality thanks to God. With many sacrifices, from me as well as from them but we made it.
WHAT A WONDER!
We were very happy, some going to school and others working. Until a disgrace fell upon us and once again separated us.
On the 22nd of August 2015 at 9:20 a.m, while my wife and I were working, we received a phone call that there had been an accident in our apartment and that we needed to be there as soon as possible. My world came crashing down, we arrived at our destination: our home. The street was filled with ambulances, police, and a dozen fire fighters which were helping out our children.
My younger son, after seeing that nothing could be done for his brother, jumped from the second floor. There he lay on the floor with a pain of impotence than ran throughout his body and a broken arm.
The same can be said for my oldest son, he opened the door of his bedroom to rescue his brother who was in the living room but he was unable to do anything. As he opened the door, the flames came towards him and he was unable to do anything, he was not able to rescue his brother who was in the living room. He worked his way to the window and also jumped from the second floor dropping down.
He got up and saw his younger brother, who had also jumped and had a broken arm and was laying very still on the floor.
The eldest after seeing that his brother with a broken arm was no longer in danger of death, ran to the front of the apartment building, tried to open the door to rescue his brother. He kicked and pushed the door, but it was useless. His brother, with autism, was trapped inside and it was impossible to get him out. The flames, smoke, all of it had caused his brother’s death, in other words my son’s death, my son whom I love and will continue to love always. He was always on my mind and heart.
The fire fighters came and did their job, they tried to save my son’s life but nothing could be done. I felt like time stood still but flew by at the same time.
Afterwards, we went to the hospital where both of my children were, the eldest and youngest. Both had been checked. The youngest, 15 years old, had an immense pain in his lower back and a broken arm. The eldest only had minor scrapes.
We as parents only have one pain, an intense pain inside that we are unsure of when it will ease up, a pain that we don’t wish upon any one else because it goes so deep.
Finally I would like to share this phrase, “We are not alone, there is a God all powerful that is with us, that never abandons us and that always will protect us because he has said himself that all who do his bidding, even if we die will live again.” His name is JEHOVA. And that should make us stronger. “Thank you Jehovah for existing”
Alfredo Arenas—Father 48 years old.
María de los Ángeles Quiróz—Mother 43 years old.
Cristian Arenas—Eldest son 23 years old.
Brando Arenas—deceased son 20 years old.
Brayan Arenas—Youngest Son 15 years old.
We believe in resurrection and we have vowed to see him again.
“La vida y sus propósitos”
(Si te lo propones, lo logras)
Yo, un emigrante más como millones de gente, soy una persona que vino aquí a USA con la intención de superarse y salir adelante trabajando arduamente. Para lograr un propósito, traer a mi familia conmigo a USA para estar juntos y superarnos.
Somos cinco de familia: yo (papá), mi esposa y mis 3 hijos, uno de ellos con la discapacidad de AUTISMO. Era el que más me preocupaba haberlo dejado.
Después de largos 4 años, me traje a mi esposa, para trabajar y así juntar dinero y traernos a nuestros hijos que se habían quedado con sus abuelitos. Dos años después, nos trajimos a uno de ellos, el que más nos preocupaba el que estaba discapacitado con Autismo. Ya estando aquí mi hijo, buscamos ayuda para él y la encontramos gracias a Dios primero y al programa de San Andreas Regional Center, que nos ayudó mucho con el caso de mi hijo. Dos años más tarde nos trajimos a nuestro hijo el mayor, ya era mayor de edad y podía ayudarnos a trabajar y poder traer a su hermano menos para estar juntos toda la familia. Después de un año logramos nuestro propósito, estar toda la familia reunida y muy felices.
Bueno después de 9 largos años, logramos nuestro propósito: por fin mi sueño dorado estaba cumplido gracias a Dios. Con muchos sacrificios, tanto de mi como todos ellos pero lo logramos.
¡QUE MARAVILLA!
Éramos muy felices, unos estudiando otros trabajando. Hasta que vino una desgracia que nuevamente nos separó.
22 de agosto 2015 9:20 AM, trabajando mi esposa y yo, recibimos una llamada al celular. Había un accidente en nuestro departamento y necesitábamos estar ahí lo más pronto posible. El mundo se me derrumbaba, llegamos a nuestro destino: nuestra casa. La calle estaba llena de ambulancias, patrullas y una decena de bomberos que estaban brindando ayuda a mis hijos.
Mi hijo el menor, después de que miro que ya no podía hacer nada por su hermano, se lanzó desde el 2do piso, quedando tirado en el piso con un dolor intenso de impotencia, de todo su cuerpo y un brazo roto.
Lo mismo mi hijo el mayor, abrió la puerta de recamara, para ir al rescate de su hermano, que estaba en la sala pero no pudo hacer nada. Al abrir la puerta, las llamas se le vinieron encima y no pudo hacer nada, no puedo rescatar a su hermano que se encontraba en la sala. Como pudo, se lanzó por la ventana desde el 2do piso también, cayendo al precipicio. Se levantó, miro a su otro hermano que se había lanzado también anteriormente, él tenía un brazo roto e inmóvil en el piso.
El hermano mayor, mirando que su hermano con un brazo roto ya no estaba en riesgo de muerte, corrió para el frente de los departamentos tratando de abrir la puerta y así rescatar a su otro hermano, pateando, empujando la puerta, pero fue inútil. Su hermano, el que tenía Autismo, había quedado adentro atrapado, fui imposible sacarlo. Las llamas, el humo, todo aquello había causado la muerte de su hermano, ósea mi hijo, que tanto quiero y seguiré queriendo por siempre. Siempre lo llevaré en mi mente y en mi corazón.
Los bomberos llegaron, hicieron su trabajo por la vida de mi hijo, no pudieron hacer nada. Yo sentía que el tiempo no avanzaba pero a la vez sentía que volaba.
Posteriormente, nos fuimos al hospital en donde ya estaban mis dos hijos, el mayor y el menor. Ya los habían revisado, el menor de 15 años tenía un inmenso dolor en su espalda y un brazo roto. El mayor de 23 años, solo lastimaduras leves. Nosotros como padres solo tenemos un dolor, un dolor interior muy intenso que no sabemos cuándo pasara. Un dolor que no se le desea nadie porque es un dolor muy profundo.
Finalmente, quisiera compartir estas frases:
No estamos solos, hay un Dios todo poderoso que está con nosotros, que no nos abandona nunca y que siempre nos protegerá, porque El mismo ha dicho que el que haga Su voluntad, aunque muera llegara a vivir. Su nombre es
“JEHOVA”
Y eso debe fortalecernos.
“GRACIAS JEHOVA POR EXISTIR”
Papá Alfredo Arenas 48 años
Mamá María de los Ángeles Quiroz 43 años
Hijo mayor Cristian Arenas 23 años
Hijo fallecido Brando Arenas 20 años
Hijo menor Brayan Arenas 15 años
Creemos en la resurrección y nos hemos PROPUESTO volver a verlo.
"I remember the last time I saw Brando was on my little sister's birthday, he was immensely happy! My sister Nancy Garcia, was in his class. This past August 11th myself accompanied by our older brother and friends went into their classroom to take a birthday cake, pizza, and drinks for the class. That day not only was my sister happy to see what we brought but the whole class as well, especially Brando. Throughout the entire time there "Mano" as my sister calls him, greeted us with that beautiful smile only he knew how to do, (those who knew him could relate). He even made my sister a birthday card (as shown above) as a gift from him. Brando was a special young man, who charmed everyone instantly. He was especially courteous with the beautiful girls. He would say "hi" and waved to us every time he got a chance to. He was too cute. Like Brando my sister can't speak; the little she does is simply to say basic things. I now ask her where you're at to see what her response is and she looks up at me and says, "with God," "con Diosito." You will always be remembered Brando! It was an honor to have met you. We love you and hope to see you again soon.
- with much love and respect,
Lizbeth and Nancy Garcia
Recuerdo la ultima ves que vi a Brando, fue en el cumpleaños de mi hermanita. El estaba imensamente feliz! Mi hermana, Nancy Garcia, estaba en su clase. Este pasado 11 de Agosto yo, acompañada por mi hermano mayor y unas amigas fuimos a su clase a llevarles un pastel, pizzas, y bebidas. Ese dia no solamente mi hermana estubo feliz, si no toda la clase en especial, Brando. Durante el tiempo en la clase "Mano," como le dice mi hermanita, nos recibio con esa gran sonrisa que lo caracterisaba. (Todos lo que lo conocieron saben de lo que hablo). Ese dia le hizo una tarjeta a mi hermana como regalo de su cumpleaños (mostrado el la foto de arriba). Brando era un niño muy especial, quien lograba encantar a todos instantaniamente. Era especialmente volado con la muchachas bonitas. A cada rato nos saludaba y nos sonreia. Para mi era lo hermoso. Como Brando, mi hermana no puede hablar; lo poquito que puede pronunciar son cosas basicas. Le pregunto ahora que en donde estas, voltea a verme y me dice, "con Diosito." Siempre te recordaremos Brando! Fue un honor el haberte conocido. Te amamos, nos volveremos a ver pronto.
-con mucho amor y respeto,
Lizbeth and Nancy Garcia"
Organizer
Cassie Winner
Organizer
Salinas, CA
