Cindy, just knowing that you are there for them and can offer emotional support is enough.

You can lend them support, a ear to listen, and just be you. It's tough. They will be lost for awhile not knowing what they need just as you are lost not knowing what to give.

We lost everything in a fire about this time of year when I was 16. It was devastating. It happened at 2 am and we were all home except my Dad who worked nights. The barking dogs woke us up. Our home was completely gone in 15 minutes, long before the fire trucks arrived. We lived 20 miles from the nearest fire station. It was snowing and cold outside and we all got out with nothing on but our pjs.

I am thankful that no one was home and that everyone is safe. Sending my prayers to them that they find safe haven to stay until they find a permanent new home. The temporary transition is the hardest.

Naps, you gave them the best gift of all by letting us know, so we can all pray for them too. You are a good neighbor.

They're all doing okay, I went over a bit ago and talked with them for a minute, they wanted to know what I saw from the glass house. They have a great attitude about all of this and the inspector said that it could be a lot worse. The house will be saved, the restoration crews are already over there working. They've only lost about 35% of the house and the structure did not sustain any major damage, praise the Lord.

They are very, very grateful for all of our prayers. The whole neighborhood has made themselves available for any and all assistance. Insurance is putting them in a hotel just a few minutes away and they have the week off of work so they hope to make a lot of progress in the next few days.

The inspector said it was most likely the warmer for their reptile domain, the disposition of the reptiles has not been disclosed. I think I smelled cooked snake.

It was hard to talk to the 12-yr.-old, he's the sensitive one and had all he could do to hold back his tears. I just reminded him that if he needs a place to hang, I'm here and I gave him his customary peppermint. He came a bit later and said he might just take me up on that offer.

Poor little guy doesn't know yet, his parents decided to let him enjoy his time over at his buddy's house and they'd tell him about it when they pick him up.

thanks for the update Cindy. Glad the whole place wasn't lost. Your buds will be back to their home in no time. Sorry about the reptiles.

to your friends and lots more prayers.

Thanks for the update. It was nice to hear that all was not lost. I will be thinking of them.

(Ok...I don't why, but you too!)

What a nice thing to do for the 12 yr old..

You are helping, in more ways than yOu know.

Fire is scary as heck.

Thank goodness they were able to save the majority of the structure. As others have said, items can be replaced, lives cannot.

Cin,

I am so sorry to hear about your neighbors and so happy that no one was hurt or worse. Material things can be replaced.

You are a good friend and regardless of whether or not you think you are helping, just the fact that you showed up and comforted them is a help, as is being there for the kids!

Prayers are going out for them, and as always, for you, my friend!

thank you for the update Cindy, Debbies and my prayers going out to your neighbors, its never easy dealing with a house fire, just seems even worse during the holidays, Debbie lost everything one holiday and us as kids dealt with a house fire also, glad they have you as a neighbor, glad no one was hurt

How awful for them, especially at this time of the year.

I am very glad everyone got out safe. I would be SO sad for all my sentimental losses, even if none have much material value; photo's, report cards, school projects. I hope much of that was spared.

Prayers going out to the neighbors, as well as a "thanks" for keeping them all safe!

Cherie