In the early hours of the morning on November 21st, our family’s world was turned upside down by a major fire at the home of our parents and two youngest siblings, while the family was sleeping.

We are grateful that our father woke up in time to rescue our mother and sisters and the family dogs from the house, as the fire raged around them. The cats are, sadly, unaccounted for. The family received emergency medical care and spent the night in the emergency room. They are thankfully safe, but extremely shaken and worried for their future.

It is not known at this time whether the house will be able to be rebuilt, or will be declared a total loss. The home was built in 1880, so the damage was extreme. In the meantime, the family faces great immediate needs for clothing, personal items, and interim housing for themselves and the surviving pets. We are working together with the insurer to try to maximize available coverage, but the situation is still hugely financially and logistically daunting.

We expect that most of the family’s personal belongings have been destroyed. They lived in the home for 20 years, so this is a huge emotional loss, in addition to the severe financial ramifications.

Of course, this is all especially devastating around the holidays. We all have wonderful childhood memories of our mother’s spectacular Christmas decorations, handmade matching Christmas dresses for the girls, elaborate Christmas cookies, and other efforts to make holidays special for the family. These simple joys have been lost to them this year.

As many of you know, our parents have gone above and beyond to help others their whole lives. The two daughters who live with them both have severe special needs. One was adopted from an orphanage in Haiti, and the other, who was born to a mother with major substance abuse issues, was adopted out of foster care. Our father has worked tirelessly his whole adult life to support his ten children, five of whom are adopted.

Despite their own financial hardships, our parents have big hearts and consistently, quietly share what little they have with others. For example, this time of year, you would typically find our mother busy organizing special holiday gifts, care packages, and winter formal wear for strangers whose families lack the resources to provide these luxuries. Our parents were very young when they had their first children, so their entire adult lives have been devoted to others and trying to ensure their children’s success and happiness, and the happiness of others around them. We imagine that many of you who know them have fond memories and examples of times they were there for you when you went through your own hardships, even while confronting their own.

We hope that their generosity and care for others will be remembered and rewarded in these difficult times, and that you can find it in your heart to provide some financial or logistical relief, and share this cause with others who also can. No contribution is too small; it is all so very appreciated.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for giving and being there for us, and we wish you all wonderful and safe holidays with your loved ones. This experience is a poignant reminder to enjoy the times together you have!

Our love and gratitude,

The Sakona Children