One of my friends (and a fellow coworker) suffered a tremendous loss a little more than a week ago. She and her husband awoke in the middle of the night to a raging house fire. It completely destroyed their home and most of their possessions, including her car. Fortunately, both her and her husband were able to get out safely with their two dogs and cat.
On Saturday, several additional coworkers and I went over to the demolished house to help her clean up. Thankfully, she had renter's insurance, and they already made plans to buy a house (which they've now closed on). But the loss of so many things makes you ponder. She lost all her clothes, Christmas decorations, antique family lamps, mementos from trips, including their honeymoon...
It was strange to see how some things were left unscathed. She was grateful that the fire skipped their office, where all their photos and documentation were kept. And all the electronic equipment in that room was also not touched by the fire, but it was ruined by the water.
Our clean-up on Saturday was to remove and take to the dump any and all personal items. The house will likely be torn down, but the insurance company requires that all of their items be removed. We rifled through roofing material mixed in with the ashes to throw away burned and soaked clothing and tossed furniture out of the second story window. There were at least 14 people there, and we got the job done in about two hours.
My friend's attitude is what really amazes me. She's such an optimistic person, and she has approached this just like anything else. She just doesn't dwell on the losses, and honestly says she's grateful they and "their babies" got out safely with a smile on her face.
She gave me a tour of the destruction, including her grill, which was melted down to a twisted mass of metal due to the intense heat of the fire. I'm thankful I've never had to experience something like that. If I ever do, I hope I can meet the challenge with the enthusiasm and optimism that she does.
Today, just to be on the safe side, I bought a fire-safe security chest for our important documents.
6 comments:
Yeah, that's a big wakeup call. I think it helps that we have all our photos on shutterfly/snapfish/kodakgallery etc too.
One of my friends said just this weekend, hey steph you don't have to worry because you don't scrapbook, you blog. True.
yes we did the same thing re: the tin box,Em...so very sorry for your friend but at least they got out alive! xx Thank God.
Yes, I echo aunty Norma with that sentiment, at least they are alive and well. It must be your worst nightmare come true to have that happen. Great that she has such amazing friends though to help her with the clear up. XX
What a true nightmare!!!!!
Sounds like you have a great friend, Emily. Anyone who can take all the devestation with enthusiasm and optimism truely is a saint!
Good thinking about the fire safe!
XOXOXO!
Absolutely horrible,
So many irreplacable memories. My thoughts definately go out to them.
Hello? Hello? Hello? Echo. Echo. Echo. Man, sure is quiet around here...miss you Em! <3 u
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