On Saturday morning, June 13th, my grandparents experienced something no one should ever have to face. At approximately 4:00 a.m., my 78-year-old grandfather, Mike, woke up to what sounded like fireworks outside his mobile home in Ellenton, Florida. Within moments, he realized his home was on fire.
He immediately rushed to wake my grandmother, who is currently recovering from a broken hip. Without her walker and with only seconds to react, they hurried toward the nearest door. When my grandfather opened it, flames burst inward from outside the home, burning his face.
With the fire blocking their escape, they were forced to turn around and make their way across the house to the only other exit. Somehow, they made it out alive.
A neighbor who happened to be walking by saw the flames and called 911. First responders arrived within minutes and worked quickly and courageously to contain the fire. We are forever grateful for their efforts.
While my grandparents escaped with their lives, they lost everything they owned.
My grandfather is a retired veteran who has spent his life serving others. Together, they built a humble home filled with memories accumulated over decades. In a single morning, those memories, belongings, photographs, furniture, clothing, and treasured keepsakes were gone.
There was one remarkable exception.
As firefighters searched through the devastation, they recovered only a few meaningful items from the wreckage: A folded American flag and a portrait of my cousin, U.S. Marine Corporal Theodore Andrew Bowling. Andrew was killed in action while serving our country on November 11, 2004. Of all the things destroyed in the fire, these precious reminders of him survived. Our family believes Andrew was their guardian angel watching over them.
The fire is believed to have started from an electrical source outside the home, though the official investigation is ongoing.
Today, my grandparents are safe, but they are starting over at 78 years old. We are asking for monetary donations to help them either relocate or rebuild their home as they did not have insurance. Donations of any kind will help them to with temporary housing, clothing, medications, mobility equipment, household essentials, and eventually rebuilding their lives after this unimaginable loss.
If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, church, workplace, veterans organizations, and community groups.
Most importantly, please keep them in your prayers as they begin the difficult journey ahead.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.