- C
For anyone who is unaware, last thursday I lost my home to a house fire caused by a lightning strike.
Even now, no matter how many times I repeat it to myself, it doesn't seem real.
I will say, watching something you take for granted every day, something your childhood memories are attached to turn to ash 40 feet from you is one of the most surreal experiences a person can have. It's a mix of relief, knowing you're okay, but you're still in awe of what is transpiring in front of your eyes.
The fire had started before any of us even realized. Completely unaware, we were settling in for what was supposed to be a rainy evening of chinese food and netflix. It wasn't until someone mentioned the smell of smoke that the flames from my brother's room were noticed.
In the pouring rain, we watched the fire eat through the front wall, melt my brother's room entirely and then travel across the attic taking most of the inside structure with it within 4 hours. Everything that wasn't scorched was destroyed by smoke and water.
We walked away fairly unharmed, with the exception of my father who sustained some burns to his face, ears and hair while trying to put out the initial fire.
The firemen managed to find my purse and my fathers keys, but we left with mainly the clothes on our backs and not much else.
I can only speak for myself when i say, the night of was spent in a complete fog, but the next morning when i had a quiet moment to reflect on what happened did things get really hard.
Having to go back in the house the next day and try to delicately dig through belongings- trying to remember where i stashed those special keepsakes, childhood books I was saving for my future kids, my brother's guitars that were melted down to nothing, my father's vast book collection, and the pile of black that was once my art portfolio containg years of work and supplies- that was a truly heartbreaking moment.
I am happy that the three very important men who were there with me that night (my father, brother and future husband) are all safe, but I know the memory of that night will remain with us forever.
For everyone who has already reached out to help, we are truly thankful. To those who are willing to help- any numeric value couldn't be bestowed upon a more grateful family.
It' s just an opportunity to regain some normalcy and take a step towards a fresh start...thank you all so much.
Even now, no matter how many times I repeat it to myself, it doesn't seem real.
I will say, watching something you take for granted every day, something your childhood memories are attached to turn to ash 40 feet from you is one of the most surreal experiences a person can have. It's a mix of relief, knowing you're okay, but you're still in awe of what is transpiring in front of your eyes.
The fire had started before any of us even realized. Completely unaware, we were settling in for what was supposed to be a rainy evening of chinese food and netflix. It wasn't until someone mentioned the smell of smoke that the flames from my brother's room were noticed.
In the pouring rain, we watched the fire eat through the front wall, melt my brother's room entirely and then travel across the attic taking most of the inside structure with it within 4 hours. Everything that wasn't scorched was destroyed by smoke and water.
We walked away fairly unharmed, with the exception of my father who sustained some burns to his face, ears and hair while trying to put out the initial fire.
The firemen managed to find my purse and my fathers keys, but we left with mainly the clothes on our backs and not much else.
I can only speak for myself when i say, the night of was spent in a complete fog, but the next morning when i had a quiet moment to reflect on what happened did things get really hard.
Having to go back in the house the next day and try to delicately dig through belongings- trying to remember where i stashed those special keepsakes, childhood books I was saving for my future kids, my brother's guitars that were melted down to nothing, my father's vast book collection, and the pile of black that was once my art portfolio containg years of work and supplies- that was a truly heartbreaking moment.
I am happy that the three very important men who were there with me that night (my father, brother and future husband) are all safe, but I know the memory of that night will remain with us forever.
For everyone who has already reached out to help, we are truly thankful. To those who are willing to help- any numeric value couldn't be bestowed upon a more grateful family.
It' s just an opportunity to regain some normalcy and take a step towards a fresh start...thank you all so much.