Five days before Christmas, my son Levi had a house fire that claimed the life of his sweet and faithful dog, Hugh, as well as most of Levi’s possessions. Keepsakes, memorabilia, and photos can never be replaced. The house is irreparable and there is not enough insurance to rebuild. So while we are very thankful Levi was not harmed in the fire, our hearts are broken at his loss. Levi got Hughie (pictured above) when he was about six weeks old, in 2014. I took care of Hugh while Levi worked his long shifts as RN at the hospital. 

Being Levi's Mom, of course I love him dearly and want to do everything I can to help him. Not to dwell on the past, but it is a reality that Levi's Dad is gone, Levi's fiancée is gone ... and now his dog is gone, his best friend and constant companion. Our hearts are hurting!

Levi and I lovingly had many nick-names for Hugh. We will never forget him! When he was younger we called him Hughie; later we called him Hugh-berto, Hugh-mongous; Hugh-(who)-done it? Even my phone, when I would voice-text Levi, it would call Hugh by a name it picked up in my contacts somehow - "Hhcu" (Hoosier Hills Credit Union - pronounced it Ha-ku! :)  Hugh was such a smart, sweet, handsome, happy dog! We will miss him so much!! I will try to post a more recent picture of Hugh, once I figure out how to add more pictures! 

Neither Levi or I like to ask for help ... but I know this loss from the fire is too much for us to handle alone. So I have decided to reach out for help; friends, family and all those who, out of the kindness of their heart, would like to make a financial donation toward Levi’s expenses: foremost his housing situation which is yet to be determined (likely renting); food; household items; and other expenses I'm sure we have not even thought of yet.  Any donation of any size is much appreciated! 

It has been a busy and exhausting couple of weeks. However, we feel so blessed by all those who have prayed for us and reached out with encouragement and offers of help. I am especially grateful for my Pastor and his wife, Kenneth and Connie Allen, for immediately coming to our side and giving us comfort and support through our loss and sorrow. My brother Ed deserves mention because he helped us bury Hugh, and provided Hugh a nice resting place at his house in the country.  Ed ran his backhoe to dig the hole to bury Hugh, and the hydraulics broke. I feel really bad about that and would like to pay for the repair, though my brother does not know. He said it may be around $300. There have been other unexpected expenses along the way that I won't mention here. 

I want to thank my youngest son, Isaac, for being such a support to us and helping both Levi and I through this devastating loss. Thank you, Isaac, for the loan of your truck while Levi’s truck was in the shop for repair. And thank you for letting us celebrate Christmas in your beautiful new home (mine was a mess and not Christmas-ready!)  I also want to thank my niece, Cierra Myers, for helping me get the Go Fund Me started! 

I want to thank everyone so very much for your love, prayers, donations, offers of help, encouragement and more! Please continue to pray. We are believing for a bright and blessed new beginning for Levi! Please feel free to share this Go Fund Me page, and especially share with your Pastors and others who will touch the throne of God for us.

Last, I want to mention a beautiful painting I gave to Levi well over 10 years ago. It was a painting of a bald eagle in a cherry-wood frame. The eagle was soaring high above the storm clouds and the scripture below it  said, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Is. 40:31)  This was Levi's favorite scripture at the time. And even though I doubt that the painting survived the fire, I know Levi will survive this trial! Not only will he survive it but I believe he will rise above it!   "...when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

Thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts. May God bless and keep each and every one of you.  

"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” (Isaiah 41:17-18)  Springs in the desert!

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

                                                                                                  Thank you, Jesus!