My Family Lost Their Home in The Oregon Fire

My family recently lost their home in one of the many Oregon fires that have devastated so many peoples lives recently.  My mom and younger brother were given minutes by a sheriff driving by to evacuate their home.  My mom was able to grab 1 box of important paperwork, her 2 dogs, and 1 of her 2 cats.  My younger brother was able to grab 1 box of important things to him as well.  They all packed in my moms car and drove off not knowing that nothing would remain of their home the next morning.  The entire neighborhood (100's of homes) was burned to the ground.  The only way my mom could recognize her house was by identifying to large rocks that were in her front yard.

I lived in Talent Oregon, went to high school in Phoenix Oregon, and finished out my high school in Medford Oregon.  I can't believe that most of Talent & Phoenix Oregon are now gone and parts of Ashland & Medford were damaged as well.  I can't even imagine how an entire city can be lost to a fire.

It's hard for me to imagine what my mom is going through right now.  She's in her upper 70's, taking care of my younger brother who is disabled, and living in a hotel room.  It's taken me a couple of weeks to come to terms with what has happened.

My mom (Annie) raised 3 boys as a single mom and taught us to be independent, so it's very hard for her to ask for help.  So, I'm asking for help for her.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Mark