Starting over in the aftermath of total loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Tuesday September 14 at 3:45, my mom and 18 year old little brother woke up in the middle of a fairly progressed house fire. They didn't have a moment to grab what was not at their immediate bedside. My brother ran out in underwear, and my mom had a bathrobe and purse/phone. My 13 year old childhood dog, Daisy, was in flames but got out and my mom rolled her in the grass. Neighbors helped with outfits for them and took Daisy until she got a spot at the vet around 10am. It was unclear what happened with the 3 cats until we viewed the scene as a family. Firefighters had found our black cat Jovi and tabby/white cat Hila dead near where they were sleeping or hiding from likely smoke inhalation. The cat I had to leave with them for college is missing. The grey cat, Alana (Ah lay na) was stray until 8-9 weeks and retained her flighty instincts. I attatched a photo of our first night together. She loved sleeping in baskets as a baby so I made one with my bathrobe at the burn site and locals are setting humane traps and so on. I moved out of the house this summer and was not in harms way for this.

 

My family has recieved a good amount of clothing donations but it appears they were somewhat underinsured. They are beginning the process of searching for a rental, which will hopefully be close to the high school my brother is supposed to graduate from next spring. They will be going to school and work as much as is feasible.

Not much was salvageable. My sisters ashes from 2019 are indistinguishable from other ashes on the lower level that these photos are from. The cause is unknown but I've been told an investigation is forthcoming.

The level of personal property reimbursement is lower than expected, as is the budget for rental housing. They do not have family nearby. I am doing in person college in Virginia and my father is here as well, both near my hometown Falls Church City, VA. They want to stay in the Annapolis area where their lives are. At this moment there are no hotel plans past Sept 21st which happens to be the 2nd anniversary of my sister's passing. Unfortunatley it was from accidental overdose and the FBI investigation remains open. My brother also totaled his car on Sept 2nd, 2021 so it has been extra difficult logistically to accomplish all of the tasks and obligations on their plate.

 

There are many things, as well as at least two feline lives that cannot be recovered. Filling some of the financial gap will help, so that is where we're at. They survived (the humans I mean) this brush with death, and it will be a long road ahead. Please donate to this fundraiser to help cover some of what insurance won't.

The best place for gift cards or cash is 2789 Hartland Rd, Falls church VA 22043. This is an office address for privacy reasons. I can’t be sure that mailmen are dropping mail still at the 21409 burn site. When I visit Annapolis I will shuttle things up to them.

 

Disclaimer: I will not be entitled to these proceeds. I was safe with my hamster 75 minutes away at the time of the fire. I am posting and hosting this as a family member.