Threes

"They" say that bad things happen in 3's. I hope that is true, because if it is, it means that our extended family is done with fire-related disasters.

1. If you've been reading this blog for any length of time you know that we had a fire in our house in July of 2004. details of the nightmares that ensued can be found in my archives.

2. Todd's cousin Martin was in a very nasty & fiery car wreck in August. while he did escape with his life, he did lose one foot. he is still in the burn unit, but is on the road to recovery.

3. Todd's brother and his family are still evacuated (since Monday) after fire came less than a mile from their house on 3 sides. all are well and anxious to get home and getting things back in order.

so that is 3-near death experiences with fire. we're done now, right?

the thing I have learned is that it isn't the fire itself that is the real horror. it is the aftermath.

the fighting with the insurance company for the money we were are entitled to (and NEEDED to rebuild our home.) the night terrors and nightmares that Andy has suffered the last 3 years (yes, he still has nightmares! whenever they talk about fire safety in school or he sees anything about fire on TV, they come back.) not to mention the developmental delays he suffered.

Martin is alive and recovering, but he still has a very long road ahead (don't worry man, we've got your back!).

Doug and family will have a HUGE mess to clean up and their community will be rebuilding for some time. I don't think the emotional impacts have set in for them yet - and I wish there was some way I could warn them or make it easier - but I can't. no one can. it is like becoming a parent. you can not fully comprehend the emotions you will feel until you are in the moment - and no one can really describe it to you. I hope you, my dear blog readers never have to know them first hand.

the fire itself... it happens SO fast, then it is over and we are left to sift through the ashes... sometimes literally.