I have a lot to tell you.

First of all, I want to tell the story of the fire itself, but I’m finding the writing of that slow going as you can imagine. And yet I want to make a written record for our family and hopefully to help others. I’ve already heard from so many people who, upon hearing about us, checked their fire alarms, some installed fire alarms, read their insurance policies or made an evacuation plan.

I know that the fire alarms saved our lives. I also think contemplating what I would do in the case of a fire helped. My plan had been – and I had considered it without Paul because he travels for work – was to get the girls up, direct Lydia to help Eden and tell them which way to go, then get Christopher.

Christopher’s room is down a short hall and I had already decided, if access was blocked, I would run outside, claw at his screen, break the window, climb inside and push him out.

This wasn’t necessary, but just the little bit of thought I gave it propelled me when I needed it. I never really considered what I would take beyond my children and the dog, and even he was secondary.

I don’t want to scare anyone but rather point out some specific, practical things that can be easily done. Paul and I had made some good choices on the front end and then, after the fire, we have received some advice that was so timely and helpful we can only consider it Providential.

Bottom line, we are in a state of grace. The outpouring of concern and practical help from our entire community has been utterly amazing.

Stay posted for some tips, observations and stories. With us, whatever our circumstances, there will always be stories.