Wednesday, December 21, 2005

A SUDDEN AWAKENING

I generally sleep very soundly in the middle part of the night.  So soundly, in fact, that I seldom even know when Cliff gets home at 1 AM and crawls into bed beside me. 

We don't lock our doors.  At 1:30 this morning I was pulled from whatever nether regions in which my soul dwells at that hour, realizing there was a woman in my house, calling my name at the top of her lungs. 

"Donna, Donna," she yelled desperately, "Our house is on fire!"

My first thought was that it might be Vicki, who rents the mobile home from us.  As I roused myself awake, I realized it was Roxanna, Marvin's wife, from next door.

"I'm sorry, Donna, I'm sorry (she was apologizing for waking me?) our house is on fire.  Marvin tried to put it out with a hose and he can't.  Call the fire department."  And she was out the door as quickly as she'd entered.

Of course I called 911, and they said someone had already called.  Then Cliff and I peered out the kitchen window; we saw no signs of fire or smoke for a couple of minutes; then flames shot through the roof.

It only took ten minutes for our rural volunteer fire department to show up, but with no fire hydrants out here in the boonies, it was pretty hopeless.  I really don't know whether any of the house can be salvaged or not; I do know this end of it still stands.

What a horrible sight, and what a hideous thought.  A family of six is out of a home today, so close to Christmas.  Anna, the quiet little girl who sometimes rides my horse, is one of the family members.

Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for this family.  How devestating , expecially this time of year.  Good thing you left the door open!  'On Ya' -ma

Anonymous said...

what an awful thing to happen at any time, but this time of year its even worse. I cannot imagine. Praise God no one was  hurt.

Anonymous said...

Oh how sad and awful it must be for this family...but they are together unhurt...but right now that is probably small consolation...our prayers are for them...give us an update asap.....Hugs...Ora

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about your neighbors.. I am glad they all got out safely.  It's horrible to have to "start over".. just glad they can.

My in-laws died in a house fire..   I know how they are feeling, and they will feel better once they find their direction again.. really sad though.

Anonymous said...

What a horrendous thought waking up to a fire. Fires so prevalent this time of year because of choked chimneys, damaged stove pipes, and dry Holiday decorations. When raising our family the Christmas tree was never up longer than a week either on the stump or in a basket. I pray no life was hurt. Fernan

Anonymous said...

This is awful! Please keep us updated on what is happening to them. Were they renters?

Anonymous said...

oh how terrible for them. I hope they have some place to stay and also hope they thought to get some things out of there before it got too bad... What a sad night.
Sandra

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, I am so sorry!  How horrible.  I am so sad for those children, so close to Christmas.  They are in my prayers.
Traci

Anonymous said...

Praising the Lord that they got out safely; hoping your community pulls together to help them this season of miracles to bring some joy and comfort at their time of loss.

betty

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers for your neighbors.  Mosie, I am sure you and your entire neighborhood will pull together for these folks.  It is a devastating loss that God will bring them through.

Anonymous said...

Always has been one of my biggest fears; and I've always lived in old houses with questionable wiring. I try to unplug things that are the most likely culprits--but even a lamp can start a fire--or a coffee maker. My thoughts are with them.

Anonymous said...

How horrible. This just breaks my heart. Do they have family near by they can stay with?  I will say a prayer for them. Keep us posted.  Robin

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry about Marvin's house. Thank the good Lord they work up and everyone got out safely. Their lives are the most important thing but I do hope they have insurance. Helen

Anonymous said...

This is awful! That poor family! I hope to heck they didn't lose everything and that some stuff is salvagable.

Anonymous said...

Oh, that's just horrible.  There is never a good time for something like that to happen, but it's especially terrible during the holidays.  
My thoughts and prayers go out to them...


Jackie