My House burned... lost everything whats next

prospectmom · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:39 AM

Hi all,
It has been awhile I have been so busy with work and 2 grandpas living with us and our garden that I haven't written in awhile. Last Sunday my house burned down and luckily all made it out safely. My ward and community have been awesome I will write a blog about it. My question is has any of you faced family disaster and how did you cope and recover.? Mabey there are some good suggestions out there to help me and my family.
I am so blessed with a great family and I was so lucky my son was on leave from Iraq. Anyway I look forward to hearing from you all.

mnn727 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 12:07 PM

Sorry to hear that, thankfully everyone made it out - thats the really important thing.

on the lighter side - now is the time you decide what 'stuff' you really need. I certainly know we could get rid of at least 1/2 of our stuff and be just as happy and the house would be a whole lot neater loking.

Vort · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 12:08 PM

I'm so sorry to hear it, prospectmom. I have not experienced anything similar, so I can only sympathize from a distance. I hope you are insured; pictures and memories are not easily replaceable, but at least the insurance keeps you from suffering a crippling financial blow (hopefully).

Not trying to be flip, but I wonder if such a thing might not be a blessing in disguise, especially if you are insured. I have sometimes thought that a fire might be the solution to much of our household disorganization. Though the years, I have accumulated so much stuff that just ends up as clutter or packed away in storage, never to be seen, that an enforced getting-rid-of episode might just free me up.

havejoy · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 12:38 PM

When my oldest son was 18 months old our home burned to the ground. We lost everything. My hubby and I and the little one got out with only what we were wearing. We stayed with friends for a few months while we got back on our feet (not members at the time, I learned about the church after my divorce).
I'm not sure really what we went through though because I kept waiting for the "terrible reality" to set in like everyone told me it would but it never did. Whenever I thought about the fire I could never get past the idea that it could have been so much worse. I've always just been grateful for our lives.

prospectmom · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 12:51 PM

no insurance sadly my hubby has been laid off for most of this year ... Yes it is a major force to downsize.... and mabey not aquire so much stuff. I feel so lucky we have been treated so wonderfully by our community and church and the military. If I kept all that was offered I could open a clothing and furniture store... :}

prospectmom · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 12:54 PM

oh yes I forgot you can seee a story at the medford mail tribune web site.. It has a picture too.

Vort · #7 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 01:01 PM

Is this it?

skippy740 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 01:04 PM

Like many others, we're facing "financial" disaster. Our family is coming closer together and really determining what we really value.

The biggest thing about these situations is being ready and able to accept service and help. That's a hard thing for me because I take pride in being self-reliant. If I need help, I would do it myself or hire help. "When life hands you lemons... make lemonade. But without some sugar and water, your lemonade is gonna suck."

Based on how I'm reading your posts, it sounds like you've got a great attitude about this.

I wouldn't worry about the insurance. At least it wasn't YOUR house (if the article link was you - and I think it is). You just have to think about your "stuff".

WmLee · #9 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 01:07 PM

I've never personally experienced this, but have helped two that have. It is a blessing that you are all okay and were out of the house, or got out in time. The material you lost was just 'stuff" and can be replaced. The photo's the memorabilia, the personal "things' that can never be replaced, yes there is a great emotional loss here. But what will you take with you when you leave this phase of your eternal life . . . each other and the memories you have made.
I am so sorry about what your family has been through. What a blessing everyone is safe.

prospectmom · #10 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 01:13 PM

Yes that is the article. My landloard is awesome and is fine insurance wise. My plants I spent so much time propagating , loving and growing will take time to replace, my books I will really miss and the most is of corse the pic's , scrapbooks etc. We are so blessed that all will work out I KNOW IT.