Harrington Family Fire Recovery

After a devastating fire that occurred at Daddy's house on December 19th, several have reached out asking for ways to help. We have been completely blown away by the outpouring of love, support, & generosity that has already been given amidst this unfathomable situation. It has been recommended by various individuals that we start a GoFundMe to gather donations for Dad as he faces the long road ahead of restoring normalcy, rebuilding, replenishing all that was last, & gaining a new sense of home.

A brief synopsis that a family friend wrote summarizing the morning of December 19th:

On Monday early morning 19th of December

Lightning struck the edge of the 2nd story roof of George's home in Katy, TX

6:15am the lightning strike hit and George was sound asleep while Chuck(his long-time business partner in the aviation business) was in the living room watching TV.

Chuck has been declining rapidly over these past few years (Alzheimer’s/late stage dementia)and it was frighteningly clear that immediate changes in all of Chuck’s living, financial, medical needs must be managed by someone other than Chuck. So George has taken on all of this as well as moved Chuck into his home while trying to be his 24/7 caregiver…..too big a task for any one person.

7am the strike had created fire and within 2 minutes the downstairs was engulfed in flames.

Chuck managed to get himself out the front door. Thankfully George managed to throw his puppy, Tucker, out his bedroom window and then jumped out right after him.

The fire department arrived shortly thereafter & managed to rescue two remaining pets from the house, Chucks kitty, 'Cat', & George's daughter's puppy, 'Chanel'. House & all of its contents, a complete loss.

A brief note from dad's next-door neighbor:

George has always been the courteous and caring neighbor that anyone would love to have, he recently became Chuck's caregiver when his Alzheimer's became bad, that just speaks of how kind of a person he is. There are things he has lost that he has had for years that are unfortunately irreplaceable, but he has also lost the things that some of us take for granted, a pair of socks or a jacket. I am hoping this go fund me page can help restore some normalcy into his life and help with the daily expenses as well as food and clothing to help him and Chuck get back on their feet.

A note from me, a daughter that is very grateful her daddy is still alive

As many of you know, my dad is my best friend. For so many reasons I cannot begin to list here. It has been a difficult few weeks for all of us as we navigate this extremely unchartered territory.

My dad is handling this entire situation much better than I could have ever imagined. Calm, cool, & collected - he may beg to differ - but don't let him tell you otherwise. He approaches each day with significant gratitude & continues to put one foot in front of the other as he searches for answers to the lingering question 'What's next?'. His motto every single day since the fire has been, 'It's alright, already.' What a great attitude to have!

Dad has always been the kind of person to give anyone the shirt off his back or the last penny to his name. I can personally attest to this. He always looking for reasons to say yes instead of no. He always rises to the occasion, no matter what it may be. This is who he has been my entire life, and I'm sure many years before I was alive.

It brings tears to my eyes thinking about how differently that morning could have gone. No matter how hard I try to not let my mind go there - it's difficult. Squeeze your loved ones extra tight. Call your mom & dad. Remind those in your life how much you love them & how grateful you are for them. I can promise you one thing, not a day will go by that I don't do this myself.

Dad & Chuck are currently living with me while we work to figure out what's next. My hope is that those around us may continue to support dad, love dad, pray for him, & check in on him - he needs it...if you know him well, you know if you don't ask, he won't tell.

My largest request is for prayers! Prayers that God leads him to a new home that's even better than the last. Prayers that he recovers mentally from the trauma. Prayers that he hangs tightly to the memories of all that was lost. Prayers that he continues to be able to provide Chuck with a safe & happy life amid all the sudden change. And prayers that he finds rest & relaxation.

Thank you all, again, for your continued love & support for my person. Love to you all