Saturday, October 24th seemed to start off like any other normal day. I woke up, began my usual routine, then picked up the phone to call my mom. We talk to each other everyday, if I go a day without talking to her something feels out of place. We mostly talked about my girls and mom's puppy, Star, especially that morning. Star was trying new ways of seeking attention, and we were having a good laugh over it. Everything seemed to be starting off so well that day.

I didn't get another call from her until after 2 o'clock my time, we're an hour ahead here. I was shopping with a friend and didn't hear the phone ring, so I checked my voicemail. All it said was it was an emergency, the house burned down. I tried calling back any number I could, trying to get reach her. She called me back 10 minutes or so after I started calling her.

The fire started in the front of the house on the porch by my old bedroom. As to how it started has yet to be determined, there are speculations, but nothing concrete. Mom was sitting at her computer when Star started to get her attention. That's when she heard a commotion coming from outside. She ran to the front door and saw smoke. Then, she looked out the door and saw the flames. She immediately called 911 and tried to get Star to follow her to the backdoor. Thank goodness there was another door to the house! She couldn't find the puppy and knew she had to get out, smoke began filling the house by that time.

Only one engine with one guy showed up at first. Neighbors came to help, later more from the local volunteer fire department also arrived. A neighbor and one of the firefighters went into the house at separate times to look for Star. All mom wanted was to get her puppy to safety. They were fortunate to have the cat, Spike, escape safely on his own.

Knowing there was nothing they could do, my mom and dad watched as their home went up in smoke. Most of the back wall was still standing, but next to nothing was salvageable. My dad was able to cut a hole out and reach in to what used to be their bathroom and grab the "bingo money" jar. The firefighters were able to save most of a cabinet and 2 computer towers. My mom left the house with just the clothes on her back, no shoes even. Shoes were always kept by the front door. My dad had the things he took with him to work that day, but nothing else. My mom's truck was also destroyed in the fire.

They are in the process now of trying to get everything sorted out with the car and house insurance. Unfortunately these sort of things aren't handled over night and it will take time for everything to be sorted out. They are fortunate to have family nearby. I wish I could be there, but we would just be in the way. I can't wait for Christmas, I really hope to make this the best Christmas ever for them.