It was an ordinary day - a very hot summer Saturday - 108 degrees.

Our son David (better known by all as Ringo), wife Paula and Grandchild Luden had recently finished putting the Christmas tree up with their treasured ornaments - some from childhood. They were getting ready for their 8th Christmas at their rental home - 88 Glenrock Parade, Koolewong, New South Wales, Australia.

They had just gotten out of their blowup pool and gone inside to get ready to run errands when they heard the wildfire danger alert. Ringo stepped outside and saw smoke, he immediately ran inside to gather their things - too late - fire was coming down the hill almost at their home.

Paula and Ringo grabbed what they could - their Chihuahua Remington, Paula’s phone, Ringo’s computer, the clothes on their back and ran down their stairs to their Ute. Ringo forgot his phone - again too late - fire now on the hill by their house and they barely escaped the fire.

Thankfully Luden was safe with friends at a concert in Sydney - the horror to be faced later.

They drove to the park by the harbor and sat speechless - in shock - unbelieving - as they watched their neighborhood engulfed in flames.

Sunday brought their worst possible news - their home, memories and belongings were confirmed to be in ashes - absolutely nothing salvageable!

The Australian local government is temporarily helping them with a place to stay and local friends have donated some cash and items to get through the early throes of their tragedy.

But the long haul is coming.

We as parents/grandparents have resources to help them through this awful time, but we also know that many family members and friends have asked about ways to help support as well.

Ringo, Paula and Luden have lost memories of irreplaceable treasures collected over a lifetime that can never be recovered.

So today, they are homeless - without even their toothbrushes

or a shirt or blouse

or a plate, pots or pans

or chairs, beds and linens

or Luden's recently acquired 2025 graduation shirt signed by every classmate

or all the things we take for granted.

Ringo, Paula and Luden are grateful to you for your love, support and assistance at this devastating time of their lives.

Should you wish to donate, we know Ringo, Paula and Luden will be deeply appreciative.

Mick and Ann