On Sunday, August 31, 2025, an air conditioner exploded in our neighbor's home. This started a massive fire that moved so quickly, our home was consumed in flames within minutes. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt, including our two birds. Unfortunately, everything else is gone. A total loss. There was very little we could salvage in the short time the fire inspectors would allow us to walk through what remained of our home.

In addition to all the clothes, furniture, and other things lost it's the photographs, vacation souvenirs, Mother's Day cards, gifts Ben made us over the years, sentimental collections, the schoolwork that hung on the fridge, and all of the things we don't think are so important until they are gone. The things that we can't replace have been the hardest to lose.

We have been so fortunate to have family and friends lend a hand in the first few days with helping us get Ben to and from school, to and from work, groceries, dinner, and getting some basics together while we navigate insurance adjusters and claims we aren't familiar with.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in helping us with rebuilding and the expenses that come with that, we would greatly appreciate it. Your support is invaluable.