I went to my father’s house today and stood in it’s ruins. Even days later, after the fire has been quenched, my lungs filled with the smoke and ached. Naturally, I cried. It’s unfathomable that he is gone, and all the more so that my brother (John) was charged with manslaughter for the fire that claimed my father’s life.
Beauty for ashes?
  Dad lived more than he died.  My Dad was a wonderful warm hearted man. A hard working, never give up kind of guy wrought with integrity, faith and devotion to family. It was his devotion to his family that ended his life, but not his living. He is alive and well in the arms of Jesus.
  John loved my Dad so much!! There was never any doubt about that. So what happened? But I already knew. I grieve for John because he suffered from mental illness and it’s tragic. This shouldn’t have happened. It really shouldn’t have. But all our attempts to get John help were thwarted. The police had been called to evaluate John before, yet he was never detained because they only intervene if he is a threat to himself or anyone else. We tried to have him admitted to a mental health facility, but if they are adults, they have to self-admit, which didn’t happen because he had no idea he had an illness. We tried to get him to see a psychiatrist, but he was uninsured like so many mentally ill are, and no one works for free.  Even asking my Dad to kick him out in the hopes that John would hit rock bottom and start his healing ascent. But Dad knew it wouldn’t work. John wasn’t just a someone who needed to learn a lesson. He wasn’t capable of rational understanding and Dad feared he would merely wander aimlessly if he didn’t have help, so he took care of him. As Dad put it, “he’s my son. I won’t have him homeless and starving on the streets.”
Sadly, this devotion to his family cost my Dad his life. But I pray it was not all for nothing. I pray that through this tragedy, changes will be made to help those suffering from mental illnesses. As you read the papers or see the news don’t think of how awful John must have been. Think instead at how much my Dad loved him. He gave his life for him and gave him his last gift: The hope that John will finally get the treatment that he needs. I pray we will truly see the transformation of beauty from ashes, joy instead of mourning and praise instead of despair. It’s what my Dad always wanted and hoped for John.  - Laurie 
Funds will be used by our the family in relation to Dad's tragic untimely death.  No amount is too small all will help and much appreciated.