is fire. You might think that a little odd as my son is obsessed with firefighters, fire trucks, and most anything related to the two. But, yes.
Fire. Fire is my worst fear.
Our house is old and the wood is dry. We have smoke detectors in each bedroom, 2 in the hall, the basement, and anywhere in between. Yet, I fear that if our house were to catch fire, we wouldn't know in time. I fear we won't be able to get all of us out. As important as it would be for all of us to get out safely, I can't help but think of the memories lost, the treasures I have saved for Jacob, family photos, heirlooms and all of the things your home holds.
I know they're just things. Sure, most things can be replaced. It's those special things that I would hate to lose. I know those aren't truly what is important but, they are important. They are big. They aren't replaceable. Your bridal shower gifts. Your wedding photos. Your baby shower gifts. The outfit your babies wore home from the hospital. Your child's first Christmas ornament, your wedding dress, the only photo of your favorite Aunt Harriet. It breaks my heart to think of this, of losing these things. Where do you begin to replace what you've lost? How do you rebuild what was home?
I said, it breaks my heart to think of this and sadly my friend Kate over at My Merlot, she's living it today...for the past couple of days. She's living my worst nightmare. They lost their home, everything in it and their cat to a fire on Saturday night. I thank God above that they are all safe and made it out of their home. I thank God they have family close by to put a roof over their heads and give them love and support. I thank God they have friends who are doing everything they can to help and ease their burdens in any way they possibly can. Imagine what you would do to wake up in the night and know your house is on fire and you have to save your family while you are 3 months pregnant with a 3YO, a 1YO, a dog, and all you're wearing is tank top and yoga pants. You didn't even have time to get your shoes on! Then you sit on the street and watch as 7 (yes, seven) fire departments respond and they can't save any one thing that you own, and you watch as your house, your home, your memories, your heirlooms, your Christmas, and all of your firsts disappear with the night.
It sickens me to think about this young family up against this devastation, this loss. I struggle to accept it. Yet, I know there is a reason, there is a plan. There is a God. Right now, this God is showing them how strong the bond of family and friends can be. There are so many people trying to help. This God is taking care of this family and they'll figure that out as they grieve.
I ask you to please, please pray for this family. Pray for them to have the strength. Pray for their little boy to have sweet dreams at night, like every little boy should. Pray for this mom who is terrified of losing her unborn child due to all of the stress. Pray for this dad who wants to provide for his family and keep them safe. Pray for this marriage to strengthen during this time of extreme challenge. Pray for God to provide this family with what they need and his guiding hand to show them the way through their worst fears.
I am.
