Worst. Christmas. Ever.

[lyn]

I don't know how to start this.. or even type this out.. so this is going to be a mess of thoughts and feelings.

My family is small, there is only 5 of us (Grandma, Mom, Aunt, Brother, and me). I don't live with my family, they live in Pennsylvania and I moved away to the west coast a couple of years ago, just to give a little back story.

Every year since I've been away, I skype my family while I open their gifts they send. Well this year was no different, except for an hour before we were going to skype (11:30 AM PST, Christmas Day 2014) my mother calls me in a panic and tells me we won't be opening presents this year, Grandmas house is on fire... At this point I'm freaking out... It was caused by oil being left on the stove and it caught on fire and just got out of control. Everyone is alright, thankfully. But I really can't help but feel awful. My stomach is sick with emotions. My grandma, aunt and brother all lived in that house. The inside is ruined from what I've gathered, I don't know if their pets are okay, and I'm pretty sure not much of their personal items are salvageable. I want to help so much and make everything better... I feel so helpless. I wish I could be there for them.

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I'm unsure what to do, or what to say. Has anyone experienced this or know someone who has? They have home owners insurance, so there's some hope.
I'm not really religious or into praying, but kind words go far. Thank you all for reading, stay safe and hug your family members extra tight today.

[Rumps]

I'm sorry Lyn, but glad to hear that your family is ok. I hope you get an opportunity to talk/skype today with them, it would be good for both you and them. Take care.

[Boss Llama]

Very sorry to hear the bad news, Lyn! Under all of that, though, is silver lining - Your family is OK, and they have insurance to help with the material things. The irreplaceable part of the season is one another, and that hasn't changed. The love and support you all offer each other at this time of year will go extra far right now.

Obviously we can't tell from an outside shot what kind of damage happened inside, but if the flame itself was confined to the kitchen, many things may just be smoke damaged and able to be professionally cleaned and recovered by specialists their insurance company can recommend. My father lived in the end unit of a block of townhouses until recently, and a few years back a neighbor had a significant fire right around the new year. He stayed in a hotel a couple days while cleaners handled the smoke odor, and then was back in his home. Not long after, you wouldn't have known it had happened.

Keep in touch with your family and let them know you're willing to help any way needed, and even if they don't call upon you, that reassurance will help them in the back of their minds with the process of rebuilding and turning what could have been a tragedy in to a story for future years of happiness and joy.

[kkpyro]

Aww, Lyn...this is terrible news. It's awful to have something tragic happen, but on Christmas...it just seems worse.
Alizee is so right, the thing to focus on is your family getting out and being OK. Stuff can be replaced.

My college roommate showed up in a cab one day. Her apartment had caught fire when a guy upstairs fell asleep while smoking. She literally only had the clothes on her back.
While we were able to shop for clothes, toothbrush, hairbrush ect. She grieved over the loss of pictures and artwork gifts from her family. My guess is this will be the same for
your family.
Sending any pictures you have will help. The insurance will be great in the long run, but often it takes some time to get the money and they may need help with some basics.

Know that here, in this Purple Place...you are in our hearts. Cyber hugs are coming your way, my friend. Be strong and call your family soon.

[Larry]

Oh wow that's rough. I hope everybody is okay.

[The Domer]

Sorry to hear this terrible news, but as others have pointed out, the important thing is that everyone is okay. Best wishes as your family recovers.

[Tilgasse]

Your family will defiantly be in our thoughts. Glad everyone is OK.

[M's]

The most important things made it out all right, shaken and sad. But at least they are still with you.

[Flash]

Very sorry to hear this Lyn. I know it doesn't make things easier, but as others have said people are what matter and if they're OK everything else will be in the long run.

[NerevarineKing]

There's not really much left to say that hasn't already been said, but I'm very glad everyone made it out ok.

[Sparky06]

Sorry to hear that, Lyn. I'm glad everyone is all right!
Best wishes for you and your family.

[CoyoteCreed]

I'm sorry to hear this. It would be a shame to completely scrap your Skype/presents tradition this year. Have you and your mom thought about having a surprise Skype/present-opening party for your family at her house once things have stabilized a little? (The "presents" can be whatever you need them to be.) A postponed Christmas is better than a cancelled Christmas.

[metacide]

Very sorry to hear the bad news, Lyn! Under all of that, though, is silver lining - Your family is OK, and they have insurance to help with the material things. The irreplaceable part of the season is one another, and that hasn't changed. The love and support you all offer each other at this time of year will go extra far right now.

I feel like this summed it all up pretty nicely.

We're glad it wasn't your house that caught fire but we are sorry such bad luck happened to your family.

A similar incident happened to an aunt of mine a few year's back. Her neighbors were lighting off fireworks for New Year's and some of them landed on her roof, which set her house ablaze. Bear in mind that this was just after midnight and she was asleep.

She made it out with her kids but the toy poodle was not so fortunate. Thankfully insurance money can indeed replace most material things and the agent they dealt with was really phenomenal so I'm hopeful your family has similar luck in that regard.

[lyn]

I've got some pictures of the inside if anyone is interested... it's pretty scary to look at since I grew up in this house

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Three cats passed away, and one survived thanks to the paramedics. He almost didn't make it.
I was told the firefighters did an outstanding job at getting there quickly, and there was about an army of them.

Thanks for your support, everyone. Reading your caring responses really helped. I TheVille!

[c4ridw3n]

Dear Lyn,

I am so sorry for the loss of your family home.. that is quite sad and certainly will be tough for them to overcome.
Not only that but I am sure they are devastated by the loss of pets at the same time. It is a lot to process and
the transition will be very hard... I know you feel awful and want to help. Once the Insurance assesses the value,
maybe you can help them do some house hunting. Even just sending them a little care package of essentials can
go a long way at this time. Much Love to you.. and I am sure this experience will bring everyone closer.

Love,

caridwen