Sorting Things Out

Sunday, July12, 2009

From 'Camp Recovery'

As I start writing this, it has been about 74 hours since we woke up to our house being on fire.  And a lot has happened during that period of time. 

First, so many of you, our readers, have posted comments or sent emails, that we have just been over-whelmed by the outpouring of support and prayers.  The same is true of our Facebook / Farm Town friends and neighbors. 

Second, our friends here locally, have expressed their concern so many times.  As you know, one of our'haunts' is Charlie's Lone Star Cafe.  We have been there several times, and every time we go in, someone we know reaches out to us.  The waitresses, have been particularly sympathic.

Our hearts are filled with all the kindness shown us in the last few days. 

We must also give a lot of thanks and praise to the Lufkin Fire Department and EMS service.  As one of the supervisors told me, from the time they got the call to being on site was 2 minutes and 15 seconds.  We have learned that 4 stations with 16 fire fighters responded to the fire.  In addition, since a shift change was happening 30 minutes after the call, those 16 replacement firemen also came to the fire. (And Donna is planning on delivering her famous Brownies to every one of those guys)  -:)

The response from our insurance coverage has been extremely satisfactory, so far.  Our agent was on the ground before the fire was out.  The supervising adjuster called me before the firemen left.  The on-site adjuster drove in Thursday night in order to be here at 8am Friday morning.  The insurer's fire investigator also drove in Thursday night for a 9 am appointment to investigate the cause and damage.

The insurance company relocation service called within 4 hours offering temporary housing and assistance with necessities.  We just put that on hold and will re-address it on Monday.

And it seems that every person with the insurance company has offered to write us a check to 'tide us over'.   Obviously with the motorhome, we have a place to stay, we both had some clothes and other necessities in the coach so in that regard we are okay, at least for now.

I have paused many times in the last few days thinking just how lucky we are.  I have seen so many reports of folks that lose their home to a fire, and have nothing but the clothes on their back.  And no resourses to provide food, shelter, and clothing for themselves.  How utterly devastating that must be.

We are slowly getting 'Camp Recovery' set up. 

Close up of 'Camp Recovery'

So far, I have not actually been inside the house, except for a few seconds in the Media Room.  I am just not ready.  Our son, Scott, and his wife Shelley have been over several times, going into the house and bringing out pictures and a few things that might can be salvaged.  And our friend, Alan spent most of Thursday and Friday helping remove some things and helping get us situated with temporary power to our freezer in the garage and other things.  Alan, buddy, we really appreciate it.  You have been a god-send.

While we were at Charlie's Friday night, Scott and Shelley brought us the brand new picnic table, coolers, drinks, and a pop up canopy.  Guys, we really appreciate every thing you have done.  It means a lot.

 

Comments

[Arlene Sullivan]

You continue to be in our thoughts. I'm sure you are both still in shock and it will take some time to "really believe" this has happened. Please keep us informed, as Nonna has been on chat. We are so concerned. If there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate. We are not all that far from you...
Hugs to you both.
Kevin & Arlene

[Bob and Molly]

Camp Recovery looks pretty good....it's good that you had a few things there. I just cannot imagine the loss...and you both have such a good outlook about it! It was good to hear Donna's voice the other day....stay in touch and let us know if you need anything...we can be there in about 36 hours!!!! We'll have Camp Recovery East ready when you arrive! HUGS!

[Dortha aka: Moppa]

Thank goodness for Camp Recovery. We continue to keep you guys in our thoughts. That isn't an easy process. Wish we were close enough to come and help you.

Hugs to you both,
Dortha

[Marcia Jones]

Keith and Donna, We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. I have been keeping up with you two on the blog and Facebook/Farmtown, but I missed something. I missed the part about Keith burning his foot. Hope it gets better real fast. And aren't friends and family great. They seem to come out of the woodwork. Especially in hard times. It sounds like you are being well taken care of. It is a pleasure knowing you two. You are a special couple. And Donna I am sure that Joe would love to be close enough to share those brownies. Take care and hope to see you down the road. Love Marcia and Joe.