The week was going well for the M family. Thanksgiving came and for the first time in a long time, things felt good. Stable. Like they could breathe again, and the parents smiled as they snuggled under the covers.

Things had been hard this entire year, but especially this fall. Wes’s car died. Andrea had a bout of bronchitis, then complications from a genetic disorder landed her in the hospital for a week. During that time, she lost her job because her complex medical issues made it impossible to work a regular schedule. Wes’s hours aren’t enough for them to live on one income with four kids to support. But it’s also working too much to qualify for food stamps or discounted healthcare – by just a few dollars. Four kids to homeschool and mountains of laundry and groceries. Then the second eldest fell and broke her elbow. The family pup of some eleven years crossed the rainbow bridge. But all of that was forgotten in the calm quiet of Thanksgiving overload and warm blankets. Life was good.

Screams woke them. They couldn’t see - the house filled with smoke. Andrea rushed into one room, Wes the other. As she lifted the youngest onto her hip and grabbed two more hands, Wes screamed the eldest’s name. She looked through the doorway and blanched.

Where her eldest’s bed should have been was the front end of the truck, a gaping maw, full of glaring lights and a blaring horn. On top of the bed – now pushed into the middle of the room – was the brick and cinderblock wall, and underneath, an arm. A small face was covered in blood, but she was alive. Wes raced outside and demanded the driver stay. Help was there in three minutes.

Cuts, bruises, and a concussion – it could have been so much worse. The driver was three times the legal limit and traveling at some 65 mph when he drove through the bedroom. He walked away with a few bumps.

Wes’ work provided materials and manpower to board up the hole. The house is technically livable, but they can’t bear to clean up the mess. Or sleep in the place where their peace was shattered. All she sees is her daughter’s face. All Wes hears is her screams.

The family that has given so much love to all of us needs our help. I know things are hard for everyone right now. Even $1.00 can help them. It hasn’t made the news. They don’t ask for help. They give it instead. I think it’s time we paid them back. Every penny raised will go to cover medical bills, cleaning, or even a down payment on a new rental home.

Thank you for helping.