Recovery from our home burning

After 25 years on the West Coast, I have made my journey home to the Woodstock area in New York. It surely has been a long and winding road. One that has gifted me with many varied experiences and blessings. I have joined forces with a long time friend and more recent (in the last 9 years) romance, Purdey Darrow. Approximately 8 months ago our journey began as he drove heroically across the country two times, by himself, with large portions of our combined life in tow. I stayed in California tying up loose ends, finishing my time at my beloved job and preparing for the epic move. That part of the chapter took about 6 months. Finally, two months ago I arrived exhausted, but happy. I felt overwhelmed, but excited at the prospect of settling in our new home. The one that Purdey had lovingly managed to procure. There was work to be done, but so much excitement and vision of our future in this house. I was adjusting to the winter and beginning to get a handle on unpacking and feeling at home. Shortly after I arrived, I became aware that I had quickly and unexpectedly gotten pregnant. We were being hammered with Nor-Easters (storms) and before my morning sickness kicked in, I got violently ill with a stomach flu. Ultimately, I was unable to keep anything down for 3+ weeks. All of my normal behavior was brought completely to a halt. I was not able to communicate or network or do any of the things I normally would to find or do work. Finally, the weather started to lift a bit and I started to feel better.

That was about five days ago.

Two nights ago, our new home (rental) went up in flames at about 3am. Fortunately, I woke up in time. Purdey, my cat Osiris and I made it out without any injury. We were barely clothed and shaking, but together, alive and in the van which had blessed heat. We called 911 and watched in shock as the house started to really burn. Our amazing volunteer fire department was there in minutes and fought quickly and hard to stop the fire. They stopped the house from burning up completely, and saved much of our stuff. Thank goodness. All of my photos and the like were saved. Many much loved things were destroyed, but it could have been So. Much. Worse.

We are grateful.

And, I am being called for the first time ever to ask our community for help. It is not easy for me at all. I am being humbled. I/we need help to get through this time. We need help getting back on our feet.

Anything and everything helps.
Thank you all for your time and ear.
Thank you all for being my people.
Thank you.

Silkie