Life after Santa Rosa Tubbs Fire

What would you do in the days after after a devastating fire took everything you own in the middle of the night?  Where to start?  What is next?  How are my kids handling this tragic loss?  Where do we go?  What do we need today?  Tomorrow?  Next week?  How are our friends and neighbors?  How did this happen?  

Nick and Stephanie were woken to someone banging on the door after 2 AM in the morning on Sunday, October 9th, and ordered to evacuate immediately.  They had their two kids, four dogs and the clothes on their backs as they raced to escape the approaching flames.   If you ask them they will say they were lucky and left with everything important to them.  After all, they have their lives and precious pets and that is more than some who perished in the flames of this devastating fire. 

The hard part comes next...rebuilding their lives.   Just thinking of what needs to happen next is overwhelming to me and I'm not in their shoes.  Our family had to evacuate this week due to another California fire 4 hours north, but were lucky.  We had time to load the car with some precious memories.  We were lucky and our home was spared but for a brief moment we, too, were faced with the unthinkable... starting over.  The Stauer family is starting over and I can't imagine the struggle ahead.  

Here is where I hope we can help because I know Nick, Stephanie and the kids are loved by many.  Right now, more than ever, they could use our help.  Words of love, deeds, and if you can spare a little, you can donate here.   Insurance takes time and rebuilding can take years.  Let's help this family get through this month at least during the hardest time following this tragic event.  They have nothing and need everything.  

Thank you for taking the time to read about this incredible family and the absolutely horrible loss they endured just a few nights ago.  Please keep The Stauers in your prayers and thoughts.  In the words of a posting Nick made on Facebook  the day after the fire "Stauers never give up!".  How true of a statement this is...

GoFundMe asks that I include the following information:
My name is Lisa Delzell an I am Nick Stauer’s sister. I live in Paradise, CA. I recently moved away from Sonoma County but my heart will always consider this area to be my true home.  I find it surreal that this fire is affecting so many lives and wish I could do more to help.   Your donations will be spent on immediate needs for The Stauer’s such as clothing, housing, and food. They lost absolutely everything and need absolutely everything. Nick has been made beneficiary for withdrawing the donations for his family as they need them. 

Thank you again for your support! And please keep passing this post and link around!