My cousin and his wife pretty much all their belongings to a fire on Monday morning. So here's my question:
What would you need/want if your house burned down?
I realize this is a big question but I'm trying to put together a gift that would really help them out where they are. I mean they've lost their pictures, clothes, dishes, linens, furniture,... pretty much everything. So will you help me think of a few things that if your house burned down you would expecially miss.
I'm thankful they are both and safe and most of all that they are believers and have a treasure in heaven that is far greater than any we can have here on earth.
What would you need/want if your house burned down?
I realize this is a big question but I'm trying to put together a gift that would really help them out where they are. I mean they've lost their pictures, clothes, dishes, linens, furniture,... pretty much everything. So will you help me think of a few things that if your house burned down you would expecially miss.
I'm thankful they are both and safe and most of all that they are believers and have a treasure in heaven that is far greater than any we can have here on earth.
picture is from WHAS11.com
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-20
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-20
My mom's house burned down when she was in high school, and my dad's mom bought her some new clothes. That meant alot to my mom, to have some more nice clothes (because she had to go with people's hand-me-downs for a while). I think if it was me, I would probably appreciate a book, just to get my mind off the stress. Anyway, just a couple ideas!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite poem:
ReplyDelete"Upon the Burning of Our House" by Anne Bradstreet
In silent night when rest I took,
For sorrow neer I did not look,
I waken'd was with thundring nois
And Piteous shreiks of dreadfull voice.
That fearfull sound of fire and fire,
Let no man know is my Desire.
I, starting up, the light did spye,
And to my God my heart did cry
To strengthen me in my Distresse
And not to leave me succourlesse.
Then coming out beheld a space,
The flame consume my dwelling place.
And, when I could no longer look,
I blest his Name that gave and took,
That layd my goods now in the dust:
Yea so it was, and so 'twas just.
It was his own: it was not mine;
Far be it that I should repine.
He might of All justly bereft,
But yet sufficient for us left.
When by the Ruines oft I past,
My sorrowing eyes aside did cast,
And here and there the places spye
Where oft I sate, and long did lye.
Here stood that Trunk, and there that chest;
There lay that store I counted best:
My pleasant things in ashes lye,
And them behold no more shall I.
Under thy roof no guest shall sitt,
Nor at thy Table eat a bitt.
No pleasant tale shall 'ere be told,
Nor things recounted done of old.
No Candle 'ere shall shine in Thee,
Nor bridegroom's voice ere heard shall bee.
In silence ever shalt thou lye;
Adieu, Adeiu; All's vanity.
Then streight I gin my heart to chide,
And didst thy wealth on earth abide?
Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust,
The arm of flesh didst make thy trust?
Raise up thy thoughts above the skye
That dunghill mists away may flie.
Thou hast an house on high erect
Fram'd by that mighty Architect,
With glory richly furnished,
Stands permanent tho' this bee fled.
It's purchased, and paid for too
By him who hath enough to doe.
A Prise so vast as is unknown,
Yet, by his Gift, is made thine own.
Ther's wealth enough, I need no more;
Farewell my Pelf, farewell my Store.
The world no longer let me Love,
My hope and Treasure lyes Above.
As someone who lost my home last August, I can tell you that the most important thing you can do for them is recognize that losing your house is a horrible, horrible experience. It's about being there for them now... and a year from now (when everyone else has lost interest). Giftcards to restaurants were a huge bonus for us in the first few weeks. Because several homes burned down, the Bed, Bath, and Beyond allowed us to register, which was great for family and friends who wanted to do something to help. If you or them have any questions (about insurance or just the scope of the loss), I am more than happy to email (lifeafterthefire@yahoo.com). My blog is lifeafterthefire.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThat was sad. I do hope that your cousin and his family were able to recover from this tragedy. With regards to your question, I think the first thing that comes to mind is insurance. Insurance is quite important during these situations. It is the key to starting over. But most importantly, the support and help from loved ones is certainly needed.
ReplyDelete