Saturday, December 26, 2009

How we spent our Christmas

 

Ive been reading blogs for the past 1/2 hour and it looks like everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

We had a bit of sad news come our way Christmas Eve! Around 6pm, if I can remember correct my dad got a call from his neighbor saying that his house (my fathers) was on fire! So him and Jason hopped in his car and drove over to my dads house which is 40 miles south of us. I was scared out of my mind because I was stuck home with the kids and had NO idea what was happening!

When they got there the fire was out thanks to the East Pembroke Fire Dept.

It had started in his bedroom with a space heater, taking the bedroom, bathroom and entry way. The rest of the house has major smoke damage, and will need to be completely gutted.

He was renting the upstairs apt out to a nice couple who fortunetly were NOT home during the fire. They also will loose everything to smoke damage.

As of this morning the electrician was there to cut power to the part of the house that burned to they can turn power on to the rest.

The cleaning company was there removing carpets, drywall, ceiling…anything that was ruined by the fire and the water. Once they have that all removed they will remove the furniture and small stuff to see what can be cleaned and salvaged and what can not.

The Red Cross has put my father up in a hotel room. THANK GOD he was at my house when this happened and not in his bedroom sleeping!

We went over yesterday so I could take pictures for his insurance and it is awful! EVERYTHING about this is just terrible, the smells, the way it looks.

I just shake my head because I cant fathom why or how this happened to us, my family simply can NOT take anymore.

In spite of this all, the kids had a great Christmas and they got to see “Papas” house and the damage that fire can do.

This picture is the entry way in from his garage at the opposite end of the house from where the actual fire was. ALL smoke damage!

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This is his dining room and sun room. Notice the hardwood floors?

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Here you can see where the little carpet was.

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Spices on his stove that were melted. The fire was NO WHERE near the kitchen!

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Bathroom that was destroyed

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Bedroom, where the fire started!

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UGH, as Im sitting here posting these I am getting sick to my stomach!

I know most of you are thinking, at least nobody got hurt and these are only “things” that were lost, which is fine! I totally agree with you! But, the past 3 years my family has had to deal with too many tragedies during the months of Nov and Dec and I have simply lost all faith! And I kinda feel like I deserve to feel the way I AM feeling about this right now without feeling guilty!!

I hope you can understand that.

32 comments:

WoolenSails said...

Sorry to hear about the fire and it is hard when we are hit with so many things, so many times. That is why I have learned to live today and not worry about tomorrow or regret yesterday. Living in the moment and enjoying every little thing, that is good, is the only way to live.

Debbie

Linda said...

Jenn...I just posted on CHK if you had taken the pictures yet.
Those are so awful looking. I can't imagine what the heat in there must have been like. I'm glad that the restoration people were able to get right to the clean up. Know that I am thinking of you.
Linda

Anonymous said...

How awful, what a shock. I am so sorry that this happened to you all!
Looking at the photos made me feel sick too, because my sister and her family had a fire ( it was early morning and they were still in bed) and the smell and the thoughts of what could have happened brought back memories.
Feel what you feel, it's okay! *hug*

Anonymous said...

What a terrible thing. What you feel is fine. Just go with it. Things will be okay. Love you, sweetie.

Dawn said...

So sorry to hear of the damage to your fathers home. Thenk God your father was not injured tho. Our thoughts are with you.

stefanie said...

I am so sorry, and you are right, you do have a right to feel angry, your only human....I am thankful for you that your father is alright, try to keep your spirits up, I know its hard.

Sweet Magnolias Farm said...

My Heart goes out to you ..and Yes of course I'm glad no one was hurt ..but I can understand your frustration feeling that too many things have happened and your overwhelmed.

I went through a similiar time in my life ..which lasted a much greater time. And I thought it would never end and that I would be swallowed by it all. The best thing I can say ..is try to take what you can from each situation and try to learn a little bit more about life .

When I was going through my Valley ..all I wanted was out and wondered why me why my family ..But I can with all honest now say ...I am glad I went through those tough times and I would never want to change what happened..I am a much different person because of it ..I believe a better ..kinder more understanding and loving person because I understand what a Valley is ..what it takes to get thought it ....and that there aren't time limits or bounds of what can happen to any one at any time.

I will keep you all in my prayers ..and don't lose faith...Faith is truly all you have in the end ..even when you feel like you can't endure any longer. And in the end ..faith is what will endure ..even when you think you have lost it..it's there hiding deep down inside ..because hope is right there behind it.

May the new year bring a Beautiful Change ..and gladness to your home and family ..


May I ask was your fathers space heater on ..or did it short out just being plugged in ..that's such a scary thing ..I always run around and unplug things when I leave home even for a few hours ..just to be on the safe side.


Blessings ..Sara

Donna~One Simple Country Girl said...

I am so sorry to hear about this! I am glad that your father wasn't there when it happened and that nobody got hurt. I understand your lack of faith. I struggle with this sometimes as well. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that 2010 is a much better year for all of us. God bless.
Hugs,
Donna

My Colonial Home said...

Jenn how horrible for your father and all of you. I feel your sorrow and YES, you can feel the way you do but don't let it take you down too far.
Praying things will smooth out for all of you soon.
Bless everyone helping in your fathers very sad ordeal.

Hugs, karen

TJ said...

Jenn,
You have every right to feel that way hon'. I'm saddened for you and your family and most of all your Dad. To loose pretty much everything at the holidays...well I can only imagine the feelings! Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I'm praying for a better and much BLESSED New Year for you all. Just remember all your bloggin friends are an email away if you need to vent. Email me anytime my dear.Sometimes it just helps to have someone listen. My addy is willowbendprims@yahoo.com if you need anything at all.
Prim Huggs n Blessins
TJ

Debbie said...

Sorry to hear about the fire and especially glad your dad was not home. Don't lose faith... My husband and I have had a rough run few years and just when I am ready to throw in the towel God always surprises me... *hugs* It just happens in his time... not ours.

Take Care,
Debbie

Terry said...

I've been thinking of you all day Jenn. Those pictures are just awful, and it brought back memories of my g. parents house.
Yes, you have a right to feel the way you do...we just don't want you to get so depressed it will be tough getting back up.
Love you girl, and wish I was there to give you some hugs, and help with things.
Terry

Susannah said...

I understand exactly how you feel. I am sorry. Keep your chin up.....things should start to improve. I will keep you and your family in my prayers for some time to come, Jenn.

Friends,
Susannah

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

Jenn You have every right to feel the way you do...When you say you have not faith..you just mentioned that your dad was at your home and not sleeping...That is truly something to be thankful for..that your dad is still with you...on the other hand what you are feeling is natural..and you should have those feelings or you wouldn't be normal and it will also help you heal..Take care and give your pops a hug..:)

Sandy said...

I am so sorry to read such horrible news during the time that is suppose to be joyous. My Community experieced the same thing last week. I posted it on my blog. I cried so much for the ones affected here so I can just imagaine what you going through. Yes, thank God your dad was NOT home but one can only experiece so much.

But do remain positive, things will begin looking up.

Sending hugs your way...

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

Jenn, oh the pictures look awful, like a nightmare! I know a lot of us have said that about being glad nobody was hurt. And that's the most important thing, but you have a right to feel however you feel. Nobody can tell you how to feel or try to tell you how you should feel. You HAVE been through more than most people endure in a lifetime. I'm sorry if my comments on the board sounded like I was minimizing your feelings. I didn't mean it that way. I feel the same as Terry. She said it very well in her above comment. We all really do love you and wish we could help. Sending you prayers and hugs.

Carmen S. said...

That is awful, and I know all about wavering in faith too, glad he is okay though and wasn't home ((hugs))

Catherine said...

What an awful experience. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!

lakeffect said...

Jenn,
What sad news. I agree with the others, you are luck to have your dad, and you have every right to feel angry. Time will help you to live with this tragedy. Try to learn something from every bad thing that happens. Sara said it so well! Prayers and hugs for you.

Tiff said...

I'm so sorry to read this. And you have every right to feel the way you do, it's only human. Sending prayers your way and blessings for a peacefully and happy 2010.

Cindy's Stitching said...

Sorry about your dads fire to the house. Thank god he was not home and feel blessed he was protected. The things will be replaced and better then before. Don't lose faith. Look at the other side, he is safe. Don't let the devil win.

Holli~Where The Rooster Crows said...

So glad everyone is ok! I understand your frustration and how you feel and I dont blame you for being angry and losing faith. Try to hang in there and feel free to vent to me any time you need to. Things arent as important as people but we all still have things that are very dear to us. You will perservere.

Hugs,
Holli

Firecracker Kid said...

Oh Jenn, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. This same thing happened to us a week before Christmas several years ago. It is very stressful and humbling to suddenly be without even a toothbrush or underwear. The little things we take for granted. In the end your father's house will be all anew and ready for him to make it a home by himself and with his loving family. We'll pray for you all to have a much much better new year friend. Hang tuff! Hugs, Carol

The Old Cupboard Door said...

My heart goes out to you. The photos and description of all you have been through says so much of why you are overwhelmed. You should not feel quilty for how you are feeling about all this, it's tragic. I pray some good things come into your life to restore your faith and hope. I am so glad your dad and his renters weren't home or you would be tellin us a different story.

~willa~

PrimWyoGirl said...

Oh my gosh! Your pics make me so sad! Fire is one of the worst, and yes, thank heaven your father and his tennants were not home! I am sorry this is not the first tragedy you have had to deal with. It does make it hard to get past. I wish you and your father and family better luck for the coming year! My heart goes out to you!
Jayne

Lynn Barbadora said...

Jenn,
I'm so sorry .....so very sad. But I am glad your Dad is safe. It is so hard to keep the faith when we go through such tough times. I personally have been going thru a very difficult couple of years......I am lucky to have friends and family that have been there to sustain me through the most difficult of days......I try hard not to let the "tough stuff" in life rob me of finding some joy in each and every day.
Please stay strong.
Hugs
Lynn

cynthia lee designs said...

Sorry to hear about the fire and all that your family has gone through. We had a Christmas like that many years ago...my in-laws had a fire that destroy most of their home two weeks before Christmas. And that same year, my FIL passed out while driving his big rig and it went down a 30 feet enbankment.
It is very hard and it is ok to feel the way you do. I just know that family and faith will get you all through this. I pray for only good things to come your way in this new year.
hugs,
~Cindy~
cynthialeedesigns.wordpress.com

Angela said...

Yes, I can totally relate and understand. My family and I have been dealing with more 'storms' in our lives than we have EVER these last 16 months put together.

I can't get over the how much damage was done, the pic of the colour of the floor blew me away.

It's hard when your bombarded with one tragedy after another. About a week ago I wrote in my journal..''my God, my God, why have Thou forsaken me?"...I cried out those same words that His own Son cried out....

((hugs)))

TidyMom said...

Oh Jenn!! {hugs} you have every right to feel the way you do!!

Was the space heater on or just plugged in? those things scare me, but we do have one downstairs because my daughter's room is down there and it gets so cold - but I make her leave it in the hall way, which is on tile - but I'd like to know if this started with it off and just plugged in.

I'm praying for you and your family!♥

~TidyMom

Gettysburg Homestead said...

You have every right to be angry. Yea yea no one was hurt only things were lost OK, but you are entitled upset. When you are at the end of your rope and just one more thing happens its hard to handle. As I told one of my patients the other day it can only go up from here in 2010.

Mary

Backwoodsprim said...

Awwwh Jenn!! I am so sorry this happened to your dad's home....I agree...glad he wasn't home at the time....I know it still hurts though...Praise God even in the storm...I'll be praying for you & your family as you help your father get things back in order...You have alot of blog pals that care about you and that I'm sure are lifting you & your family up in prayer!

If you can....go to someplace on the net and listen to Mercy Me's song "Hold Fast" it has been an inspiration to me....maybe it will for you too...

Hold Fast My Friend,
Backwoodsprim

Anonymous said...

Oh Jenn, I'm so sorry to hear about this fire.. happy of course that nobody was home (I really hope no pets were lost!) but of course it hurts to lose "things".. most of us have things that hold special meaning to us, memories of our children as babies, trips we took, not to mention legal documents that we need.. so you have every right to your feelings and nobody should tell you not to feel that way. Best to turn to your bloggy friends.. we care and are here to support you! xoxo