Dear Readers,
When I write my posts for my blog, I never know how much personal information I should share with you. This bit of information I feel you need to know about, because it affects my blog and suppling you with the projects and information you want and deserve. This post I write with a heavy heart…
On Tuesday we had a house fire. It destroyed our home. Everyone is safe and for that I'm, oh, so thankful, but it's still devastating. I'm writing this post from my daughter's house. I wanted to let you know, because I don't know when I'm going to be able to design any new projects to post about. I do have some drafts ready and I'll post those next week.
I am forever grateful to my family and my dearest friends who have all been here in body and spirit. Today, one friend in contracting provided his crew to board up windows and throw a tarp over the roof. Thanks Kevin. Two other friends and my husband emptied all the damaged items and debris in our home. Thanks Todd and Rudy. One other friend went to Walmart to get us all the necessary incidentals we need. Thanks Nancy. My cousins Linda and Steve, Aunt Alice and Uncle Dave brought us food, blankets, and much need moral support and money. Linda called the Red Cross and they were here as well. Thank you. Ellen, thank you, thank you, thank you! My other dear friend Marisa told her boss about our situation and he donated two dumpsters and when Marisa called the dumpster company, they threw in another dumpster. And, my daughter Megan spent all day washing our salvageable clothes. Dawn and Charlie who did much for my soul and spirit. Everyone's calls and text messages have all given me strength and I am truly grateful to all of you. I want to thank my husband John, who has been a tower of strength and comfort for me.
Here's a video, if you care to view the fire.
http://peekskill.patch.com/articles/fire-rips-through-house-in-mohegan-lake
This world is filled with unselfish people, who, genuinely care for others. In that respect I am the luckiest person in the world. Please pray for us.
With a thankful heart,
Diane
Diane, I'm a follower of your blog and wanted to say how sadden I was to read about your house fire. The video & pictures just put a huge lump in my throat. I'm so glad to know that everyone made it out safe and that you have a wonderful support group around you. I don't live near you (however, I use to live in Mt. Vernon so I'm familiar with your area) – I'm a SU Demonstrator in Michigan. When things settle down and you get back to your crafting I would be more then willing to supply you with some products to get you started once again. I've given you my e-mail and SU Web site…please, contact me & let me know. Until then, take care & yes…you are the luckiest person in the world. Stampin' hugs, Gayle
Dear Gayle,
Your email meant so much to me. To take the time out to send your kind words is what’s getting me through all of this. Thank you for the offer of SU products. I haven’t evaluated my SU products as of yet. We’re only at the point of removing debris from the house. I still have trouble walking inside. I’m hoping to evaluate it sometime next week.
You lived in Mt Vernon? It really is a small world. Send me information on your blog, if you have one.
Please take care and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your offer.
Hugs,
Daine
Hi…So terribly sorry for your loss. But am thankful that everybody was safe. Will be praying for you.
Dear Cindy,
Thank you for your kind words. We are all fine and are surrounded by family and friends. Without their help and kind words, such as yours, we would be facing this challenge alone.
Thank you once again,
Diane
Diane – I just have to share a few things with you. First, I am so sorry for all you are going through and your losses but happy to read that you and your family are all all right. Many years ago when I was a single mom with four kids, the apartment house we lived in had a major fire. Our apartment was not fire damaged but being on the first floor, we were flooded and everything, every single thing we owned, was water damaged. We had no insurance.
Through it all some things were truly encouraging. I found out who my real friends were and what relatives really cared. I saw a strength in my own children and compassion toward others that to this day fills me with pride. Our building had many entrances and before the fire was out, while there were still firemen in the building, there were vandals running through trying to get into apartments to take whatever they could.
My children and their friends and several dads in the building put together a team that walked the darkened, wet halls for several nights to protect the homes in the building from looters. They had put all the baseball bats they could find together and carried them through the halls. They checked on old people and generally protected the building until electricity was turned back on and life began to return to normalcy.
Above all, no one in the building of 108 apartments was lost or even injured. Many of us lost every material thing we owned but none of us lost a family member. We lost our clothes, furniture, TVs, and one thing that hurt the most was losing Christmas tree ornaments and baby pictures of my children.
For years the kids and I talked about "before the fire", "after the fire". It was a deliniating line in our lives. But we came through it and I share all of this to tell you that as much as you are hurting now, you will come through it and someday you and your family will look back and perhaps will share a few words with someone else who needs to know you can come through what feels now like total devastation. You will come out on the other side of this storm. Keep telling yourself that. I am sure you can do it.
Blessings to you and your family.
Dear Jini,
I have received hundreds of emails and texts over the past week, but your story has inspired me beyond belief. Thank you. Yes, I'm grateful none of us were hurt and have my daughter's house to live in, but as you know it's really hard on so many levels. We are slowly cleaning and trying to pack whatever we can. Not easy going into the house. You are my hero Jini. You were a single mother with four children. Amazing! Again thank you for your inspiration and for following my blog. If I can do anything for you just email me. Thank you for giving me hope on a very dark day..
Hugs,
Diane
Diane – just a quick note to ask how you and your family are doing now. I hope some things have settled down for you and that you are able to move forward in a positive way. If you think there is something I can do for you – please let me know. Blessings to you.
Hi Jini!
We are moving ahead. Thanks for asking. We’re trying to get back to as normal as a routine as possible. Be well and thanks for your concern xox Diane
Dear Diane,
I am so sorry to hear of this….take care and keep your eyes up! Looks like He is providing, though…God Bless you all!
BIG HUGS!
SherryBee in AZ