Life with a Side of Serious

As many of you know, my Mom and Rodger live in Bastrop. They have 10 acres of land with a beautiful home that Rodger built with his own 2 hands. He built all the cabinets, the beds, the dining room table- if he COULD do it, he DID do it! Below are pictures of the outside and inside during Christmas this past year.

A little over 2 weeks ago, we got a phone call from my mom that the fires in Bastrop were on their property. She was driving in from work, and only made it half way up the road before a police officer told her she couldn't go any further. Rodger saw the fire coming and did what he could to water the house down, and just when the flames got too hot (which happened VERY fast) he grabbed their 2 dogs and headed out.

They got out of the house with nothing but the clothes on their back, their 2 dogs and one guitar that happened to be close to the door of Rodger's shop. That's it! He had to leave their 22 chickens behind, couldn't find the cat, and of course no paper work, pictures, clothes... all of it was left behind.

For nearly 2 1/2 weeks, they have been staying with Tony and I. Waiting and wondering. They were the very last group of people to go in to their property. They FINALLY just returned on Thursday morning to see what was left. To say it was overwhelming to see would be an understatement. Below is a picture of Rafi looking at what was left of the house.

It was hard to see this. All of the memories we had created in the house, as well as all of the items that meant so much to us. I started going through every room in the house remembering what was there. Pictures of my grandparents who passed away 11 years ago, an entire refrigerator my mom spent years filling with magnets from every state she had visited, all of Rodger's wood work that he had spent so much time on- gone in just a matter of moments.

We are so incredibly thankful that mom and Rodger are safe. We are so grateful for all of the people who have sent food, gift cards, clothes and encouraging words to them through the last several weeks. Not to mention, 6 of the 22 chickens did actually survive! 

Mom and Rodger have truly been inspirational to watch through all of this. They were the ones telling us "don't be sad. we just move on and make more memories from here." God has been so kind in allowing us to spend time with our family that we have so missed in the "busyness of life" in the last several years.

And unlike many others who were effected by the fires, they will be able to rebuild and move on. Our prayers go out to those who are less fortunate, without insurance and still staying in shelters all over the area.

Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers. Your words have been so comforting. Below is a picture of one of the only items still standing on their property. I believe this says it all.