the fire

It’s been two weeks since the fire but it seems so much longer.

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.

https://alisonhodgson.com/2010/07/243/

The night of the fire I asked Christopher, “How are you doing, Buddy?”

He shook his head “I’m feeling regret that I wasn’t able to gather some of my belongings,” his voice broke, “I just think I would feel more secure if I had some of my possessions.”

A couple of days later, suited up with fire boots, the fire investigator took him back into his room. Paul and I had laughed that the fire marshall would declare Christopher’s room a total loss, whether or not there was any damage; it was that messy.

He found his wallet, a magnifying glass, a few stuffed animals and the smoky and waterlogged book he’d been reading when he fell asleep the night before. What impressed the fire investigator was that he asked to go into his sisters’ room where he out a few things he thought they would want.

He came home with what looked like a load of rubbish. I sorted through some things that were obviously trash and my sister-in-law, Dawn, has been devotedly washing everything that is washable.

The grieving process has only begun but this was the turning point for Christopher. He will continue to mourn what was lost and he is already being comforted by what remains.

https://alisonhodgson.com/2010/07/245/