On January 2nd, our parents lost almost everything they ever worked for. They literally watched their entire house burn to the ground. At a stage in life when they should be feeling safe and settled, they are displaced and devastated. What they lost that day was far more than a house - it was the life they spent decades building...

My mom and dad didn’t have much when they married nearly 55 years ago. They were young and barely making ends meet, but they worked tirelessly to build a life and a home for their family. Growing up, I never went without—because my parents always made sure we had everything we needed, and even the fun things we didn’t. Their greatest goal was to give their children more than they had growing up, and they truly succeeded.

Thirty years ago, when my dad first saw this house from the road, he fell in love instantly. He knew it was meant to be their family home. I was already an adult living on my own, but I remember how happy my parents were when they moved in—it was a fresh start for them. My brother Greg and sister Mandy were so excited about their new home. Mandy grew up there and even welcomed her first child, Aubriella, in that house. Aubriella lived there for the first three years of her life and still considers it home. She loved spending weekends there with her Papu and Grandma.

My six-year-old nephew, Presley, may not have been born there, but he loved going to Papu and Grandma’s house. He especially enjoyed walking the land, looking at the flowers, and playing on the swing my mom and dad got for him. When he saw photos of the devastation, he said, “The house is broken,” and then asked if he could cry.

They didn’t just love the house—they loved the land. It was their country home, away from the city and the noise. That peaceful setting was part of its charm. From the wraparound porch to the three distinctive dormer windows on the second floor, it was a beautiful home they cherished deeply. They had recently poured so much love and hard work into renovations: a remodeled kitchen, a new AC system, a new carport and covered deck, brand-new windows, and new furniture throughout much of the house.

Everything was finally just right.

Then, tragically, on January 2nd—while the world was wishing one another a Happy New Year—their home was completely destroyed by fire. In an instant, everything they had built over 30 years was gone. Our new year began with trauma and loss.

At this stage of their lives, my parents are now displaced. My dad, a Vietnam veteran who is handicapped and in a wheelchair, is absolutely heartbroken. My mom, still grieving the loss of my brother Greg after several years, is now grieving even more deeply with the loss of his belongings and memories from the home.

That day, they were on their way to pick up Aubriella so she could spend the last weekend of her winter break with her Papu and Grandma. Instead, the three of them returned home to find it burning to the ground—helplessly watching as firefighters were unable to save it. The trauma of that moment is forever etched in their hearts.

As devastated as I am by what I personally lost, my heart aches even more for my mom and dad. They came from humble beginnings and spent their lives working, saving, and sacrificing to provide for their family. I don’t think I ever told them just how proud I am of them—but I am endlessly grateful for everything they gave us.

Although they do have insurance, it will not be enough to cover what lies ahead—especially with this process likely taking many months, possibly up to a year. We are asking for donations to help my parents rebuild not just their house, but their life and legacy—and to remind them they are not alone.

Friends, family, and neighbors truly are the heart of this journey. We’ve already seen incredible love and support, and we are deeply thankful. Let’s help get Tom and Katie back home. The house may be gone, but their home is still there on that land.

Thank you so much for donating what you can, and for your prayers, messages, and calls. We are beyond grateful. God bless. ~ Lana Sierra