Help Laura and Patrick Rebuild After Hurricane Helene

Update from Laura (11/8/24): And we’re onto the next chapter

I’ve been trying to find the right words to express just how grateful I am to my family for everything they’ve done. They’ve rallied support from so many of you and have been absolute rocks. Just when I thought they couldn’t possibly stretch themselves any further to lift us up, they do

They planned an entire long weekend for us at Universal this weekend (not the best timing with Patrick’s arm, but we just have to laugh ) and we’re really excited for the kids to get cousin time, be with family, and just have some funn.

I read somewhere recently that you are allowed to feel multiple emotions at once, so while it feels incredibly selfish to take a few days away with everything going on, I’m reminding myself that it’s okay to accept blessings and feel joy even while processing the heaviness of everything else.

Patrick’s surgery is on Tuesday, and we’re grateful to be able to relocate to a house in Dunedin on Monday. The camper was a super fun adventure—I loved the slower nights, bonfires, and the kids getting to play with other displaced families. We’re so blessed to have amazing people in our lives who extended their home away from home to us.

Separately, we just made a third payment to our contractor and are still waiting on our insurance check. To put it bluntly, we couldn’t have done this without all of you. While we haven’t been able to reach out to everyone individually yet, please know that every single donation, gift, and message brought us comfort and got us one step closer to going home. We appreciate you more than you know and we only only hope to be able to repay the kindness to those who need it when the time comes

Love,

The Braffords

Update: Laura evacuated to MN before Hurricane Milton hit. Patrick is a first responder so he had to stay behind. The temporary place they are staying lost power but was restored just in time for Laura, Harrison and Caroline to get back. Things look bleak for the homes at Clearwater Beach. Many homeowners will have to declare bankruptcy while others will have to walk away from their homes still paying mortgages. Like most people, the only equity they had was in their homes, which is gone. For those like my son-in-law whose job as a first responder is his livelihood, the choice to stay and work or walk away from his life is the choice many are facing. Thank you for the many prayers and generous donations. Please continue to pray ❤️

My daughter Laura and her family live at Clearwater Beach where her husband Patrick is manager of the lifeguards. He is a first responder who is helping others while trying to take care of his own family and their home that is destroyed. Flood gates at every door couldn't stop the 6'7" of water. They prepared. They evacuated. They are safe. They had water up to the fireplace mantel in their home. I’m praying for those who aren’t able to reach their families and those who are having to rebuild their lives. They have 5-year old twins and I am heading to Florida tomorrow to bring them to Minnesota to be with family while Laura and Patrick work to repair the damages. Their insurance cost is as much as their mortgage payment and they are now being given the run around by their insurance company. Also, insurance only covers $5000 for the entire contents in their home (clothes, furniture and appliances). Many first responders live and work there and are in the same situation. Pray they all don’t lose everything.