RJ and Amber Bell House Fire

My (former but still much loved) daughter-in-law, Amber, along with her husband, RJ, and my collection of grandchildren (his, hers, theirs, but all mine ) lost their home this past Saturday evening due to what we believe (but not yet confirmed by the fire department) was an electrical fire in one of the upstairs bedrooms. Fortunately, everyone is alive albeit quite shaken. About an hour before receiving the call from Amber, I spoke with Shyla who was with her sister, Aubrey, and Shyla’s girlfriend, Stori, at Rogers Park in Leesburg. RJ had left home to pick them up and make a quick stop at the store. Amber was home making dinner along with Jessie, Dakota, Peyton, & Savannah when the fire started and quickly consumed half of the room the two youngest children happened to be in. Jessie, one of the heroes, grabbed both girls and took them downstairs to Amber. Another of the heroes was Dakota who saved the beloved cat, Billie Eilish.  The Lake County Fire Department responded and put out the initial fire. During that time, an everyday hero and firefighter fell through the second story floor / first floor ceiling as it gave way and had to be taken to the emergency room. At this time, we do not know his condition. Our prayers are with him for a fast and full recovery! All of the other firefighters, police, & EMT’s at the scene are heroes as well, and our sincere gratitude will never be enough. Later in the evening, the fire reignited from what the firefighters called a “hot spot”.  The firefighters were still at the scene and were able to put it out again. I’m sure the breezy evening did not help to quell the fire. Their home was one of three on a family compound built by RJ’s grandfather in the 1970’s.  The home was not insured and is a total loss. We are hopeful that they will be able to salvage personal items in the coming days.  They are temporarily in a hotel and the future is somewhat uncertain.  Shyla is at our home along with her dad, Stori & Billie Eilish (the cat). The most important part is that they are all alive and physically, if not mentally, well. I am so grateful that, if a fire was going to happen, it did so at dinner time rather than after bedtime because there could have been an entirely different outcome. There’s always a silver lining in every situation, and I strongly believe something better is just around the corner for them. Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a private person who has a difficult time asking for help from others even those in my inner circle. I know many are struggling through some tough times due to COVID and the related effects, but if you are able to do so, please donate to help them rebuild their lives.  Thank you & God bless everyone!