In the early morning of October 3rd, I am awoken with terrifying news that my baby sister's home is on fire. My immediate thoughts go to my nieces and nephews and if they are safe as my sister works overnights as a 911 dispatcher and she's at work when it started almost an hour away.  Between her and my husband calling to wake me up, I missed twenty four phone calls attempting to wake me. The one time I turn my ringer off to sleep. I had some guilt for that, but today I am realizing my immediate reaction wouldn't have helped my sister trying to get home to her babies. 

The fire destroyed their happy home. Almost everyone made it out, she did however lose one of her fur babies. My three year old niece explains that her home is broken. My ten year old nephew suffered some minor burns to his hands that have healed. My mother was treated for smoke inhalation along with my brother in law. Physically they are healing, but they will never forget this. 

Material things can be replaced, but the trauma of a fire is devastating.  One never realizes how many memories live in the home. There are things that cannot be replaced. You do however, find out that people are caring, kind, and will bless you. I am a firm believer that the good you put out in the world will come back to you. In the three weeks since this has happened, so many people have blessed my family with prayers, support, and true human kindness. From my insurance company advising me on how to help her to the groomer at pet smart when I called to cancel the appointment for the puppy she lost. 

This past week, her neighbors provided her a collection of donations, a card, and a wrapped gift. The card reminded her that someone in heaven was watching out for her. The gift was a framed photo of her father in law that they had in the home next to his urn that survived the night of the fire with minimal damage collected by a neighbor as the fire was being put out. 

Today is your reminder to put forth some good in the world. I promise it comes back to you.