The loss of home and dog in fire.

In the middle of the night on February 6th my son’s father’s home caught fire. An electrical fire that began on the front porch. Ryan was asleep on the sofa waiting for Leland to come home as the flames quickly took over. The neighbor’s ran over to help put out the fire but to no avail. Ryan escaped and yelled for Johnny Cash, Leland’s dog but Johnny wouldn’t leave Leland’s room. Ryan went in again to save Johnny but the smoke and flames took over. Leland skated home from work and found his home and dog did not survive. The heartbreak is still breaking as the ashes settle and the reality of loss sinks in.

Ryan and Leland are safe and buried the remains of Johnny Cash yesterday. The sadness is abundant and shock is still profound.

Leland is an avid skateboarder and musician. Sadly, his guitar collection is destroyed and pieces like my Dad’s vintage guitar are irreplaceable. He lost skateboards, skate shoes and tools that get him to his work each day.

As his mom, I feel overwhelming grateful they are both safe while feeling helpless as we struggle with the trauma moving forward. Thank you to anyone that feels led to help Leland and Ryan get things they need as they find ways to rebuild.