Smoke gets in your eyes

Clementine and I have spent most of the last week-and-a-half sunbathing in Momma's brother's back yard. 

Momma scrubbed us down ("Don't forget to wash behind your ears!") and carefully hand-washed the Doctor Who outfits we wore to Phoenix Comicon 16 on Saturday before the fire. Other than one or two minor soot stains on our cloth bodies and Tardis bag, we're practically good as new!

Momma says I need to be restrung, but that can wait until she assembles the necessary materials again. 

Meanwhile, Clementine and I plan to write a Strongly Worded letter of praise to the manufacturer of our Tardis backpack. I hate to think what our appearance would be without it. 

No strings attached

In three hours it will be one week since our nightmare began. One week since my parents' home of nearly 41 years went up in flames. It was the single most terrifying moment of my life - and one that I would not wish on anyone.

Despite losing our home, one car, generations of possessions, and two dearly loved cats we have gained much: love, compassion, generosity.

We have been astounded by the outpouring of donations and acts of kindness. A car. Monetary donations. Gift cards, Hugs. Raffles. Water. Shade. More hugs. Someone to cry with. Free services. The list goes on and on and on.

We have discovered we are not alone. 

That no man (or woman) is an island.

We are family.

And we thank you.

"Here is a good stick for your house. It is a gift. A free gift. No strings attached. Signed, a member of your family." from Barrington Bunny by Martin Bell

After the fire

Hello world!

Clementine and I are still airing out but doing better!

Up in smoke

You never think it'll happen to you. 

Until it does. 

Our house went up in flames at 12:35 a.m. on Sunday, June 5. All of the people barely made it out and most of the pets. 

Momma discovered Clementine and I safe in our TARDIS backpack late Sunday afternoon. (We're sunbathing in the nude for now.) Thankfully she hadn't taken us out yet after returning from Phoenix Comicon that afternoon. 

We are smoky and wet but salvageable. The house is a complete loss and Momma, family, and friends are still salvaging items from the ruins. 

Sadly, two cats did not escape and Grandpoppa's car was totalled, too. 

Keep the people you love close. 

In the blink of an eyeJust a whisper of smokeYou could lose everythingThe truth is you never know

Meghan Trainor