My niece just called and told me that about an hour and a half ago, lightning struck my brother's home and burned it nearly to the ground. His son ran in through the fire to wake him up, and Don said they could barely find their way out of the house for all the smoke. His mother-in-law lives with them and has Alzheimers. Gail grabbed her mother and got her out. Micah got Don out and then went back in and found the dog. So everyone is safe.
The fire dept. is still there putting out hot spots. Don is crying and upset because all of the family pictures are probably gone. He said he tried to go back in to get a picture of Mom and Dad but the fire was too hot. Then the gas tanks in the motor home and both vehicles blew up almost simultaneously. There's a horrible rain storm going on now and it's dark. He couldn't even call the fire dept because his cell was in his car and Gail's was in her purse in the house. A neighbor finally pulled in about 30 minutes after the house started burning, saw what was happening and called 911.
I talked to Don by calling the neighbor's cell phone a few minutes ago. He said when the roof caved in, he knew it was all gone. This is their dream home that they lovingly built and was in it three weeks when Hurricane Andrew took the roof off of it. So they rebuilt it and planned on staying the rest of their lives there. He is worried about what they'll do in the meantime, but he's got plenty of insurance. An ambulance came to get Grandma to take her to a facility that can take care of her until they can get settled somewhere.
I'm just so worried about him as he just had the back surgery a couple of months ago, and has a really bad heart. The neighbor told me, before he put Don on the phone, that they have taken charge of him and will watch him real closely to make sure he's okay.
He's so far away, and I know I could be of help to them if I were there. I'm feeling real helpless right now.
Please keep Don and his family in your thoughts and prayers. It's so heartbreaking to know that his beautiful home on acreage with all those gorgeous live oak trees is gone.
28 comments:
Oh Vicky - how sad. You, your brother and family will be in my prayers tonight. Keep us posted and try to get some rest yourself as well - okay?
(((HUGS)))
Prayers coming yours and their way. Keep focusing on one thought - thank God no one was killed. It really could have been so very much worse. Thank God also that there is a caring neighbor there to help. Surely if need be you can figure out a way to go back there for a short time - it might do all of you a lot of good.
Oh Vicky, I'll keep you and yours in my prayers. Thank God that no one was hurt. Just keep positive thoughts and everything will be fine in time.
Vicky-our deepest prayers are with you and you brother and family. I hope you can go for a few days..it will do them so much good-and be good for you as well. Love, caring and support are always good. I know how close you have been..hope you can get the boss to let you go for a while.
Love you sweete....Marilyn
Prayers are being sent to your brother and his family. Thankfully no one was hurt!
Things can be replaced, but family can't. I'm so thankful they are OK, We'll keep them in our prayers.
Melanie
This is so sad. Thank goodness everyone got out unharmed. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Huge ((((HUGS)))) are being sent your way!
Prayers coming your way...Thank goodness everyone is safe!
Oh how sad, I will keep them in my thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear about this. Thankfully everyone got out o.k. I'll keep your family in my thoughts and the cats will send purrs!
I'm so glad they have good neighbors! Mat you and they both be comforted...
oh how awful! I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's loss of home, cars, etc. Fire is so devastating. I'm happy to hear though that he was able to get everyone out, including the dog. Thank God for neighbors! My prayers for him and his family.
Prayers and warm thoughts to you all ((hugs)). Thanking God no one was hurt, and knowing God has something better in mind for them. Try not to worry! xoxo melzie
I am so sorry to hear this-how truly awful. At least they are all safe and still with you. hope you find a way to take some time off and get back there to lend some support and help.
Vicky, I'm so sorry. I wish I'd seen this last night. You're right . . you probably wouldn't be much help to him right now and he'd probably much rather visit with you under better circumstances. But I also know that we want to be there with our family when sad things happen.
I'm sorry they lost everything! With insurance, maybe they can build back even better.
Today is going to be a rough day for them -- seeing it all and remembering things they lost. I was hoping the motor home had survived the fire but I'm guessing it didn't.
I'm here . . if you need anything, just call me, ok?
Judy L.
Oh Vicky, so terribly sorry to hear of the terrible fire. But I will echo, the Thank God they all made it out of the house. As hard as it seems God never closes a door without opening a window. I hope that time and means can be found for you to go and see them. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Finn
Fire can be so devastating - and starting all over again can be hard. My heart goes out to your brother. With the concern and prayers of many friends and family, he hopefully can find the strength to go forward. Sending hugs and prayers.... Bonnie
I'm glad to hear your brother and his family are safe, but how tragic to have lost their home. Prayers for your entire family.
Like everyone else--I am so glad to hear that there was no loss of life! If you can find a way to get there, you would probably be a great support to your brother and his family right now. In the meantime, we are all praying for you, your brother, and families.
I am sorry to hear about your brother & family. Thankfully they are safe. (((hugs)))
my best wishes and thoughts go to your family, Vicky. I am so sorry.
That is so sad. My prayers are with Don and his family. I am glad they are all safe.
Vicky it is so sad that all those precious pictures are gone along with their home but thank heavens they were ok - thining of them and you
Prayers are with you and your family. How devestating.
My husbands sister and husband had this happen to them one week after their father dies and I know how hard it is to have to go through. Your brother will be in my prayers for the long road back to recovery.
It's so fortunate that everyone got out! I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
You and your family are in our my prayers. I hope they will find some sort of comfort and peace soon! I hope you will be OK- I know how hard it is to be far from family when you want to be close to help. Even being far away, you are a huge support for them. They can feel your love.
{{{Hugs}}}, Kim
I'm so sorry to hear about the fire but am glad your brother and his family are safe. Even with that, I'm sure the loss of their home and irreplaceable personal items is devastating.
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