Updates

1 Month: We’ve started over before. That’s nothing new for us. But starting over like this was never how we imagined. We have to demo a house we called home. Watch our lives get placed in a dumpster and hauled away. A part of me wishes the whole thing would have just burned to the ground. To only be able to take the memories with me. Instead I get to continue to look at it wishing I could save everything. I’m consumed with emotions but trying to hold it all together. Nightmares that left me long ago have come back. More intense and more real than ever before. But we must keeping moving forward. So here’s to demo, grading, permits, plumbing, electrical, building a new home, furnishing that home, a new beginning…it’s so overwhelming. Especially when most of the prep for the new house is out of pocket. Everyone’s prayers, love and donations are what’s helping us get through without feeling like we are drowning. We can’t thank everyone enough. We love you all 28 TTMAB!!

Day 16. Mike went back to work this morning. I knew this day was coming I just wasn’t ready for it. He truly is my best friend and my rock. The days feel longer without him here and my mind wanders more. He handles all the hard stuff so I don’t stress about it. He takes on weights he was never meant to carry. I can’t thank God enough for him. We continue to pray for the calm that only God can give us. I know we have a long road ahead of us but we have been blessed beyond measure. Love you all 28 TTMAB!!

Day (what feels like 247) 13. It’s rained. It’s been hot. A house that we once called home sits, smelling of char and now mold. Thanks to the added skylight in the kids bathroom and the waterfall area that was once our fireplace. Everyone keeps asking, how we are handling it so well. Our answer, what choice do we have. Yes we can be mad and bitter. But what for. Something happened that we have no control over. We can’t change what happened. And in the situation, we choose peace. Only a peace that God can give. We smile knowing that the good Lord has us. No matter the outcome. We are trying to settle into a new routine. Trying to pick up right where we left off. The love and support we have received is so much more than I could have ever imagined. I wish I could hug every single person. Having Mama here has been such an amazing help. I don’t know what I would do without her. She has always been my rock and my inspiration for hope and strength. It still feels like we are in slow motion with the world spinning full speed around us. But we are taking it one day at a time. Sometimes hour by hour. But at the end of the day I look at my kids and know the most important things is life aren’t things. We have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and clothes on our backs. All of that is because of our family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike. We wouldn’t be where we are without all of you. I love you all 28 TTMAB!!

Day 7. Mama is here!!! I can’t thank the Lord enough for this woman. She jumped on this crazy train that we call life at the moment like she’s been riding it all along. This woman is my inspiration for resilience and strength. Loving life just a little more today with her being here. Never take a moment for granted.

Day 6. I thought there was supposed to be peace in the quiet but all I feel is chaos. It’s all that replays. The chaos of getting the babies and animals out of the house. Watching all the First Responders running in and out. Watching the flames consume. Moving everyone 3 times in 4 days. Trying to pick up the pieces of life that were taken. Living in the unknown. I try to calm my mind yet it’s stuck. Stuck on all that’s going on. I feel like I’m standing still in a world that’s moving a million miles a minute. I’m holding fast to my faith that all of this was for a reason. That from the ashes there will be beauty. Some days are just easier than others. I can’t thank you all enough for your prayers, donations and love. I truly don’t know what we would do without all of you. I love you all 28 TTMAB!!

Day 5. Nothing is better than a home cooked meal. Oh how we’ve missed smelling dinner cooking. But tonight, we got that luxury back!!! Different kitchen, different knives but the same meal I’ve grown up on my whole life. There’s something to be said about comfort foods. They truly heal. Tonight marks the night of fresh meals and a fresh beginning. We have been so blessed through all of this. Never take life for granted. It’s way too short. We can only go up from here. Love yall!!

(Scroll down to the actual update section to see day 3 & 4)

Day 2:

of waking up in a house that isn’t ours. Day 2 of thinking it’s just a dream. We laugh so we don’t cry, hug a little harder, say I love you a couple extra times. Walking through the house yesterday and seeing our things covered in burnt wood, water and insulation. I have to remind myself that they are just things and it’s the memories they hold that are what’s special. What’s the most important in my life can still tell me good morning and good night and I love you . I can still laugh with them, cry with them and rebuild what was lost. I thank the Lord that we are all safe. I can’t thank everyone enough for everything that has been done for us. From donations of clothing and shoes to money and stuffed animals for the kids. My heart is overflowing with gratitude that words could never express. I don’t even know where to begin with thank yous because it doesn’t seem like enough. I can never repay what has been done for us but I know it will be paid forward when we have the ability to do it. Whether I know you personally or have met you through this hard time for the first time, please know we are forever grateful. I love you all with all my heart. Here’s to knowing the Lord has us through it all and never gives us more than we can handle. Through the ashes we will rise stronger than we ever knew was possible.

Day 1:

As we wake up in a place that’s not ours we can only be thankful to God that we are all together and safe. There’s nothing more important than that and that’s what we keep reminding ourselves. The outpouring of support that we are being given is more than we could have ever imagined. Our phones have been a constant buzz of people wanting to help us and pray for us. The Fire Depts quick response is the only reason the walls are still mainly there and we are thankful they came. Our Family at the Houston County Sheriffs Office has been so generous and supportive we can’t thank y’all enough. Our family and friends from FL to GA and beyond between donations, phone calls, texts, posts, and prayers are getting us through this difficult time. We have always been the ones to be organizing these types of things for others and when it’s us in need it’s not easy to ask for help and fortunately for us we haven’t had to ask help is just arriving. It seems like almost every minute someone has reached out to us and if we haven’t replied to you yet please don’t take it personally we will it’s been a long hard emotional rollercoaster. We just wanted to say Thank You from the bottom of our hearts to everyone that has reached out or dropped what they have going on in their lives to show us some love. We love each and every one of y’all.Melissa (Fox) Russano is more than just my cousin—she’s like a sister to me…we jokingly call each other cuzband.

Our moms are sisters, and she’s been by my side through every important moment in my life…so many of my childhood memories are at her parents home. She was a built in bestie little sister from birth and still is! My head is spinning as I write this so I hope I’m able to articulate my thoughts clearly.

This morning (February 25th) Melissa and her husband Mike experienced a devastating loss when their home was destroyed by a fire. In an instant, they lost not only their house, but also the comfort and security it provided for their children and Mike’s father who has lived with them since his wife passed 6-7 years ago. Mike and Melissa’s hearts have always sought to help others and be a blessing every chance they get…I’d like to help do the same for them.

Praise God in heaven that all six children are safe, all adults and animals are safe…but when I spoke to Melissa, she said that every material thing they own is now gone. They are now facing the challenge of rebuilding their lives from the ground up with three children still living at home and a fourth in college.

All of the funds raised here will go directly toward helping Melissa and her family find temporary housing, replace essential items, and provide clothing for the children.

Your prayers are so needed and welcomed, as we know God is in control even amidst this tragedy. As I prayed with Melissa this morning, beauty for ashes came to mind immediately…that what the enemy intended for harm will be turned and used for their good and God’s glory. I know they would appreciate your prayers above all else.

Mike is an Army combat veteran and Melissa is a Marine veteran. Both have served in law enforcement and are upstanding people through and through…guaranteed they would be the first donation if the tables were turned.

If you are able to help financially in any way, please know that every penny outside of whatever costs that GoFundMe charges will go towards rebuilding shelter, clothing, and food for this precious family.

Please share with friends and family on social media and via texting so we can reach more people and the load will be lighter.

Thank you for considering a donation and for keeping Mike and Melissa’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.