I can't believe it has taken me this long to actually sit down to blog about our recent drama. If you know me AT ALL, you know that I feel compelled to purge any significant, or insignificant information almost as soon as it happens! I ramble on and on about the most mundane topics, yet, I can't seem to find the words to even describe our most recent events. Its only now, that our little two-bedroom apartment we are calling home is empty, that I even feel like trying. Since I know my rarely read blog is more for my own therapy than the entertainment of others, I really feel like I need to get it all off of my chest, so to speak. So, I guess, here goes....
Last week, (and I don't think I even know the day....maybe Tuesday?) our house caught on fire. If you have already heard the story, this may get boring. But, like I said before, its really more for me! (And the sake of just documenting it for future reference!) On Sunday, my sister and I decided that my Grandma Shaw was past due for a visit. We had been trying to make time to see her separately and failed, so we thought if we planned it together we would actually follow through this time. We were going to see Grandma at the nursing home on Tuesday, after the kids and I got out of school. That day, I talked to my sister a couple of times on the phone and mentioned that if, by chance, she ended up running a little early, she could just meet me at the school. Since our school is right off of the exit, she wouldn't have to drive very far into town and I didn't mind bringing her back when we finished. But, this was kind of funny in itself. She NEVER runs early. We even chuckled a little when we said that, knowing the chances were slim to none that she would even be on time! But, to our surprise, she did run early! In fact, I even asked my principal if I could cut out about 15 minutes early to head on over to the nursing home since we had just found out that Grandma eats dinner at 5:00 in the dining room. I hated to spend the entire time just watching her eat! Of course, my understanding principal agreed to the 15 minutes and the plan was taking shape. Now we were leaving at 3:15 and heading to Grandma's.
When my sister arrived, we were spot on with our timing. Kids were with us and we were in the car a little past 3:15. And then the story took the turn that probably made the difference between my house still standing and being completely burnt to the ground. Lisa asked to stop and get the last Twilight book from me! She had read all of the others and was ready to end her series with "Breaking Dawn." Since we were doing so great on time and I hated to forget on the way back, I agreed to run into the house and get the book. The kids and my sister were not even coming into the house.
When I arrived home, Lisa noticed smoke coming off of our roof. I don't remember noticing that. All I remember is pushing the garage door opener and smoke coming out as the door raised. I can't describe my feelings other than saying exactly what kept going through my mind. "What the....What in the world? What the....." I walked over to the door that entered the house and put my hand on it to see if it was hot. When the door felt normal, I felt safe to open the door. So much smoke. I couldn't see a thing. There was no way in the world I was going to risk entering my house when I could barely see. I turned around and told my sister to call 911. At that point, I was worried that if it was something minor, I would waste the time of the firefighters and feel silly for calling. But how in the world would I know if I was too scared to go look???
I guess this was one of those times that I would just have to trust my instinct. And my instinct told me to leave it to the pros! By nature, I am a chicken, anyway. I wear my seat-belt. Don't really speed. Wear my life-jacket in a boat. Is that nerdy? I'm a safety girl. I don't want to do anything that could potentially cause me any type of pain whatsoever! Entering my burning house included.
When all 5 firetrucks arrived along with the ambulance, I think the reality started to sink in. My house was on fire. There is no way to ever, ever expect something like this. It comes out of nowhere. When I woke up that morning, I had my day planned and it looked NOTHING like how it turned out. Shortly after the firemen arrived, they came out and took axes back in. My sister looked as frightened as I did and said, "They just took axes into your house." I was so nervous. And then....
Then my neighbors came over. I barely know them. I have met them all of maybe 2 times in my 3 years of living in the house. They came to see if I wanted the kids to come over to their house to play instead of being right there in front of everything. I had not even thought about how scary it must have been for them. My mind was in task mode and had not allowed me to get emotional until the dreaded axes were taken in to the house! So, the kids left, which was a great idea. And then....
PJ came walking through the yard. He had made it home from Fishers in a very short time. He probably should not repeat how quickly he drove home. But he was here now and I knew things would be ok. And then....
My principal, who I had called at one point, showed up. I guess in the midst of all of it, I was worried about missing work the next day and felt terrible that I would have to call in. I kept thinking that maybe if I tell them early, they can find someone to work for me. So, he shows up to check on us. And then....
My mother in law, who PJ had called, came. For the past several years, she had directed Disaster Services and has seen hundreds of homes on fire. Never in a million years had she thought she would come to the fire scene of her own son's house burning. But, she was there. And for some reason, this completely comforted me.
I guess seeing those that care come to your rescue is some sort of medicine or something. Because, truly, I felt completely encouraged and strengthened by our visitors. My sister at my side. My neighbors with my kids. My mother in law right there with us. My boss, even! Later that night, I was surrounded in love by my other two siblings and my sister in law and father in law as well. Words just can't describe how much that means to me.
That night as I went to bed in our hotel, I realized something. I learned a lesson during my own drama that I couldn't have ever learned had this not all happened. From now on, I want to be that person. The "doer." The one who actually shows up in a time of crisis. I look back on my life and yes...I try to be a good person. But, I wouldn't consider myself to be the person who is right there in a time of need. I want to be better at that. I often have good intentions, but I rarely follow through.
Over the next couple of days, more "doers" appeared. My sister in law showed up and took the kids the next day. I had countless people offer to help with the kids on other days, someone showed up at our house with clothes for our kids and one family put together a basket of toys. And it continues...
To end "Part 1" of my series, let me just say this. Our damage was minimal in comparison to other house fires. I am overwhelmed by the love shown by people I never expected to surface in a time of crisis. And most importantly, this will be a defining moment in my life, I am sure. Stay tuned for more insight. I feel like the lessons learned are invaluable. Impossible to describe...but I won't stop trying!
No comments:
Post a Comment