Gary and Liz Home Fire Rehabilitation

Home Fire

In 1985 as a young married couple, Gary and Liz Kontz bought their property in Midland Tennessee. They started out living in a School Bus (converted into a camper) as they began building their home in the woods. Processing juniper trees from their land, and building with a deep consideration for the natural environment around them, they built a sustainable home without electricity, with wood heat, and well water. Gary and Liz have since then always collected and used firewood, well water, and have grown an incredible organic garden. When their son was born they added on a new bedroom addition and when their daughter arrived they added on again. The children were raised and homeschooled in this creative home with garden vegetables to eat, well water to drink, constructive chores to complete, woods to explore and love, and endless books to read surrounded in boundless supported creativity. It was a beautiful life. Gary is a mechanic and truck driver that worked hard and long hours to support his family, lifestyle, and land that they have protected. He grows a beautiful garden which he lovingly shares with ground hogs, bunny rabbits, and his songbirds. In everything that he built, grew, worked on, and created, he would teach and include his kids (and now grandkids). Liz has a passion for learning and particularly loves books, history, art, and music. She had vast collections of books, pictures, family history and heirlooms. I do not think she was able to ever get rid of a single piece of artwork her children produced. Living extremely frugal, continuous, and hardworking lives they were able to focus on land conservation, family, and truly be in touch with the nature around them. This morning after being away for the night, Gary and Liz received a most devastating call from their neighbors that their home of 36 years had burned down. The cause may be associated with a propane leak, yet the fire department will complete an investigation. Nothing is left, including shops, creations, vehicles, all clothing and possessions, sentimental items; their home. What Gary and Liz do have are their lives! They were not hurt, which could have gone very differently had they been home during the propane explosion. Gary and Liz also have the incredible support of so many loved ones; dear family and friends to lift them up as they transition into this unexpected chapter and begin to create a new home to meet their needs in the oncoming years.

Thank you for reading and loving my dear parents,

Winona