Community support raised family out of tragedy

Letter to the Editor:

I happened to glance at the October Homewood Star issue a few minutes ago and was reminded of what an amazing community Homewood is. My family suffered a devastating house fire in late July in West Homewood. As I left the scene in a pair of flip flops, I struggled with thoughts of how to tell my kids that the only home they’d ever known was gone as well as all their belongings, how to handle the insurance claim, how to replace immediate needs and what on earth to do next or first. I was beside myself thinking of all the sentimental items we had lost — all the hand-made drawings, the coffee cups, their baby blankets, the pictures — I couldn’t believe it was all gone. Yes, we were safe, but I really did want those things.

I remember on the second day, I had to go into the house. I had, of course, the only shoes I was wearing the night of the fire, but I had to wear tennis shoes to go inside. When I showed up to my house, one of my sweet friends had left a pair of tennis shoes on the car for me (which also burned). It was a small gesture, but it meant so much to me.

I had so much to do and little time and resources, and she, with four kids, a job and a hectic schedule, went out of her way to get me a pair of shoes and bring them to me. I still get teary-eyed thinking about it. I also get teary-eyed thinking about my friend who was with me the entire night while I stood and watched Homewood Fire Department put out the fire. It was very surreal and incredibly unbelievable.

The community surrounded us with love and support. Local churches, businesses and individuals brought us so many things. Looking back, I have no idea what I would have done without the outpouring of generosity. I still can’t really talk about it without getting emotional. So, as I flipped through the Star, I saw the article about Coach Sills. My seventh grader is a member of the HMS Men club, and I remembered how Coach Sills and the club raised funds to replace the Xbox he had lost. I remember asking my son if he cried when they presented it because I certainly did when I heard about it. He said, “No ma’am, but I was crying on the inside.”

The love and support of our community is overwhelming. I am so grateful to live in such a wonderful place. I love Homewood!