The Small Things

My last post seemed a bit dark and harsh I suppose. I also want to clarify that we don't live in filth. Our house is clean, but not spotless and super organized. I didn't want anyone thinking that we live like white trash.

Today I was given some news that made me sit back and realize that I should be grateful for what I have and not to gripe and complain. My sister drove down to Dothan last night to spend some time with her ex-boyfriend of 3 years, Ben. They've been talking again (she told me that this is a universal term and not one that just some groups use, apparently I am out of the loop with terms). She called me this morning after I sent her a text message to call me. She calls me around 9:30 and told me she was following Ben to his parents house. His childhood home burned down this morning.

Ben's dad and sister were inside this morning when his dad started a fire in the fireplace. It is the first time he had used it this season. The fire spread to the attic. They left the house and called 911. The firefighters came out and in the middle of fighting the fire they lost the water pressure. Mr. Ford and Melissa, his daughter, sat back with the firefighters and watched their house burn down. I am guess she was home from college for the long weekend. Their mom has been in Virginia with her dad who has been very sick.

So as of this afternoon the firefighters were holding them back from part of the house b/c the side is goin to collapse. The only part that had anything left in it that was able to be salvaged was in the parents room. Everything else is gone.

I can't imagine losing my house. Losing the childhood photos, videos and momentos. The furniture, clothes, etc. can all be replaced. Yes, it's a major inconvenience, but it's all material things. It's all the other things that matter. So please pray for Ben and his family. His uncle is on the road right now driving his mom down here. She was in no condition to drive herself down today. I know they had insurance but it's going to take a while for everything to fall into place. As Melissa told my sister today is she's in her PJ pants and t-shirt without her bra and all of her bras burned up.

I can't even think about being stuck outside with just my t-shirt and pants and not even a bra. No shampoo at your disposable to take a shower, and not even a shower for you. So I am thankful for what I have. I am a lot more fortunate tan a lot of people. I should start looking positively at things.