Help the Ng Family Rebuild Post Fire

Erin and Desmond have been such a friend to all, and deserve our help as they recover from the unexpected fire at their place this past week.

Losing your home is not something you expect to happen to you in your 30s, especially with a young child. Let's make this process and transition an easy one for the Ngs, as this has already been a beyond costly process.

Thank god they have insurance, but before they can get that money in the account, thousands will be spent. They need furniture for their new apartment, a new home work space for Erin, and the replacement of Desmond's instruments and music equipment so he can continue to gig through this crisis.

All of us contributing just a little will help out this amazing couple, and take a small amount of weight off their shoulders.

See below for details on their recovery, and a little note from Erin & the Ng family <3

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Monday, July 3rd, Desmond, Noelle & I were in visiting family in California when we woke up to multiple missed calls and texts from our sweet house sitter. “There’s been a fire. Call me.”

Around 2:30 AM, firefighters came and broke into our apartment due to a fire in the building. Our house sitter (Kayla), dog (Rudy) and cat (Miss Kitten) were all there. Firefighters broke in and grabbed Kayla - she screamed that there were still a dog and cat in the apartment. She wouldn’t let up until they went back in and got Rudy. She saved his life. As for Miss Kitten, we had no idea what happened to her.

Desmond, Noelle & I immediately cut our trip short and changed our flight to that night. We did our laundry, packed, and prayed.

Our sweet friends Scott, Ellie & Ivey opened up their home to us. On Tuesday, Desmond & I went to the apartment to see the damage. No fire damage to our unit, but heavy smoke damage. Still no word on Miss Kitten.

With the lock changed in our door, we broke in with a hammer and searched for our sweet cat. After 15 minutes, we decided to call it and gather a few valuables. At the last second, Desmond threw open the bottom drawer of Noelle’s changing table. Two green little eyes were staring back at us. She was safe. We grabbed her, a few instruments, a couple of heirlooms, and got out.

Wednesday, we had keys to our new apartment in the same complex. Empty, but ready & available. Desmond’s sweet dad (Phil) flew in on a one-way ticket that morning to help. Desmond ran out late at night to get an air mattress and other essentials.

Thursday morning, our sweet family friend (Claire) drove in from Crossville to help. We took Rudy & Miss Kitten to VEG for a full work up to check their health. I cannot recommend this emergency pet facility enough. Words cannot describe the compassion and care they gave to us all - humans included. Miraculously, after blood work, X-rays & more, they were given a completely clean bill of health. Thank God. Special love to Sophie Chavez for the support she gave and donation made toward our bill, as well as the wonderful people at VEG for their financial help as well.

Thursday afternoon, we were told we have until Friday at 5:30 PM to gather anything we may want to take from our old apartment to our new one. After speaking with my Uncle who is a retired firefighter & Aunt who has lived in that world for so many years (Uncle Dan & Aunt Julie), as well as speaking to a fire investigator here in Nashville, it was decided that we aren’t to trust the condition of anything in our home. We had to say goodbye.

Desmond, Phil & I ran through the apartment taking photos & videos of belongings so we can itemize them with our insurance company. Saying goodbye to the photos we couldn’t take, Noelle’s toys that made her smile, Desmond’s instruments that were no longer safe… memories.

We started our marriage in that home. We waded through a pandemic in that home. We started a family in that home. We cried in that home. We laughed in that home. We were together in that home.

We walked through the rooms and saw hazy images of Noelle splashing water in her bath. Rudy laying on the couch. Miss Kitten taking a nap in her bed. Desmond practicing. Noelle sitting on his lap and playing the piano together.

We saw our lives.

Today, after an hour of rummaging through belongings and making mental note of their monetary value, Desmond & I stood at the door of our ghostly home.

We wept.

Through this storm, we have felt the overwhelming support of our incredible community. We cannot express how deeply thankful we are for the outpouring of love we have received. We are truly indebted.

We have each other, and that is enough. God is good. All the time.

“When peace like a river attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul”