Rebuilding Barry & Lois's Home

It’s hard to put words to what I’ve been feeling for the past week, watching Hurricane Harvey make landfall then transition into a Tropical Storm - all from my comfy, Austin home. Once I saw the pictures Thursday, August 31st, the feelings were pretty clear. This is my childhood home - the home my parents built with their own hands alongside helpful family and friends. It was the perfect lot, in the perfect neighborhood, in the small town of Orange, Texas both of my parents grew up in. They dreamt of this house while my sister and I were young, and it finally came to fruition when I was 12 years old.

This isn't easy, but I am writing this because of all my parents have done for the community they love, and, all they have selflessly done for me. Through the years, through thick and thin, my sister and I never went without and never once lived anything less than a blessed life.  Through illnesses, the financial crisis, and many other hurdles, my parents always put themselves last.

I’m asking for help to go to the two people who gave me everything in life - my mom who has always been a huge presence in our church, been on the school board, and would do anything for the people she loves. And for my dad, who has always been the physical example of giving, donating and lending a hand to anyone, stranger or not, who might need it.

This storm has devastated our area, and everyone is equally deserving of receiving help. My parents are one of the many without flood insurance and will be facing damages up to $100,000 - maybe more. They will need new furniture, new appliances, new heating/air systems, new flooring, drywall repair, and other things I'm too naive to fathom. This money will go directly to my parents in making their house a home again.

Anything you can give will be received with gracious, thankful hearts! I know this amount will give my parents the encouragement they need to start rebuilding and move closer towards normality.