A Bad Situation Turned Into an Amazing Experience

So, it has been a little over six months since that awful night of our house fire.

Let me refresh your memory. It was Sunday, Nov. 1. We had just finished dinner. We had a really fun Halloween with all our friends the night before. It had been a beautiful Sunday afternoon, we took a long walk around the neighborhood, and life felt good. I was doing the dinner dishes, Bobby was upstairs on the computer, and we heard what sounded like an explosion. It turned out to be spray paint can exploding from a fire in our basement. Bobby ran through the fire to save our stray cat Buddy who was in the basement, I called 911.

Fire trucks, emergency rooms, shock. In the end, we were lucky. All the pets were okay, nobody was too badly hurt, and most of the damage beyond the basement was smoke damage.

Thank God for our friends. Sharyn, Kenny, Glenn, Cathie, Victor and Gloria, Kevin and Lisa, and so many more.  My sister Iris who was my long distance rock. My brother Joe, and the rest of my family. They were right there for us, not just that night, but for all the months that followed. My insurance agent at Liggan Insurance had set us up with great insurance years ago, and we didn't even realize it. And my work family at Townsquare Media. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love and appreciate them. Too many names to list, but their compassion, understanding, and generosity brought me to tears.

We had no idea what to do next. Early Monday morning, I got a call from Rick Winne, my insurance adjuster from Van Kleeck Winne Adjusters. I would not have gotten through this without his kindness and his guidance. And the best part is we are now friends. I love that guy.

Then I called Servpro on Salt Point Turnpike.  Lisa Ann and Scott were immediately at my house, and again I felt that guidance and kindness. Lisa Ann got us through the emotional turmoil. Seriously, she was our therapist through this. The staff packed up our things carefully and with respect. Servpro cleaned and did that thing they do until my house no longer looked and smelled like a fire. I'm also proud to now call Lisa Ann my friend.

Next, it was time for CMM construction. Scott, Jim, and their whole crew made my house even better than it was. They were a pleasure to work with.  My old 1865 house has more detail and beauty now than ever before. I'm still speechless when I look around and realize that this is my house. It's just stunning.

And the staff at The Marriott residence Inn? So accommodating. We spent over five months there. And again, we experienced kindness. And we made friends. I do miss the delicious coffee and breakfast buffet.

Moving back was weird. And hard. I never thought we'd settle back in. But, we are getting settled and loving our house.

Was the house fire traumatic? You bet it was. Did we think we'd get through it? We had our doubts. But in the end, we have the best friends in the world, old and new.

We have a beautiful house. We have so many blessings to count, so much to be grateful for. And that's how a bad situation turned into an amazing experience.