Angela and Diana - Burned but not Broken

The unspeakable happened on Tuesday. A horrific fire, fueled by winds and misfortune, took our family house, my mother and sister’s home.

Worse, so so much worse, their beloved dogs, Juda and Buckaroo, and
cats, Lucy, Fat Cat and Midnight, did not survive. Neither did their
sweet Baby Bird. My mother was rescued in the nick of time.
Her dog who was with her at the time hid when the fire department ran into the room. Despite her calling to him, we know now he did not
follow. She is being treated by the expert team at Loyola Intensive Care burn unit. With time and rehabilitation she is, thankfully, expected to
recover.

Still, we are so heartbroken for the family members we’ve lost, for my
sister, who is so broken into pieces now. We care so little for the
objects that burned, only hoping we can salvage family photos. But,
I will do everything, anything, to help them move forward and rise up.

So, as difficult as it may be, I am asking you to help. In the immediate,
what they need to survive, and then later, rebuild. To secure a place to
live, a chair, a robe, coats? To think of it is overwhelming. They have
absolutely nothing now, having barely got out of the house with 
pajamas.  My sister is on disability and my mother on a small social
security payment each month. I have no idea what it will will cost to set
things even slightly right again. Left alone, they will never regain
the life or security they have lost. 

Whether you can help or are unable, I know you are good and kind.
A simple prayer, a kind thought is so appreciated now. Thank you, thank you, dear friend or stranger.

But if you have a furry one across the rainbow bridge, would you ask
your baby to show our friends the ropes?