A Very Sad Day For The Perryman Family!!

Such a sad day!!

Tom's little sister Christi, her husband Jon and their children watch as their home was engulfed in fire!

A tragic accident! 

The fire started in the garage and very quickly moved into the attic over the garage...Which then moved into the rest of the attic across the home!! Since the roof was on fire...the fire fighters could only fight the fire from outside. The second floor fell to the first floor.

Christi had only been gone about 20 minutes when she received a phone call saying her home was on fire! Jon was in Tucson when he got the call about their home. He said he was getting gas in his car at that time and he just stopped and took off for home! At this point he did not know for sure everyone was out of the house! He kept trying to call his family and no one answered! It was a great relieve when he did make contact with them to know everyone was accounted for and safe  including their family dogs! 

It was so so so hot and then add the heat from the fire! There were volunteers who came and brought water and gator aid for us the the fire fighters!! It is great to know that there are many people willing to step in and help!! It was quite humbly to hear strangers come up to me and ask if they could buy clothes or what ever they need!! 

When things started to calm down some the fire fighters were so kind they brought a few pictures with the frames broken and water on them out to Jon and Christi....They were so thankful for anything they could get!! No one is allowed in the home for safety reasons at this point! It was so heart wrenching to see Jon and Christi hold the few special things that were brought out to them and what was left that the fire fighters could grab for them! They were not even allowed into the home. Just all so sad!!

As I watched Jon and Christi hug their children as they smiled once in awhile and at the same time wipe tears I could not help but to think about their family!! What a great example they are to their children and me!! They still felt so blessed because they still had one another!! They kept their family so calm. I know they were heart broken over the loss of their home.... but Jon and Christi also showed gratitude for the safety of their family and pets even as their home and many memories were lost!! Jon and Christi have endured much! Only Jon would laugh as he said to me they think their last name should be the "Dingmans" because it seems as though just when things are going good they get "DINGED! They had just made over their den and bought new furniture and painted some things! They do see some miracles from yesterday too! There were gas cans that were thrown from the garage before they exploded and several others things that could be saved that no way should of made it throw the fire without harm!

It is like Jon and Christi to continue to smile and be thankful!!! 

As Christi and I stood on the street for a few hour watching helplessly....She would just keep naming off things that were in the house that meant something to her and that could not be replaced! It was heart breaking to hear her think out loud!!

 It will take a long time to rebuild their home but....The most important thing that is left is the Perryman family!! This family unit is so strongly  intact that any size of fire could not hurt this wonderful loving, sweet family!

I am so sorry to all of you for your loss!!

I love you all!

P.S. love having you at our house!