This is my Mum’s beautiful house.
One week ago today, Mum went out to visit a friend and returned to discover the sound of fire alarms activated inside her house. Not thinking, she flew into the house and was met by a wall off sheer and utter blackness – a space void of any light. Fortunately, at this same time, a neighbour saw the smoke and managed to get Mum out of the house.
Mum was treated at the local hospital for smoke inhalation and tested for chemical toxicity in her bloodstream, and was later released with a clean bill of health.
While there were no visible flames, the Fire Department has deemed it a chemical fire, originating from a cable receiver box (shown left), causing maximal smoke damage to the entire interior of the house. The blackness Mum walked into was literally a cloud of melted plastic particulates containing numerous hazardous chemicals (see window below). These same particulates/chemicals affixed themselves onto/into every surface of the house (see white bathroom sink below).
The interior is a write-off and has to be stripped down to the studs and completely rebuilt from the inside. The shell of the house remains in tact and unharmed.
While the definitive reason as to why this incident happened has not been uncovered (and may never be), there have been so many blessings in and around the events which occurred.
- Mum was not home when it happened and is 100% alive, healthy, and safe.
- We were able to recover/clean necessities (clothes, etc.) – everything was NOT lost!
- The Guardian Angel neighbours graciously opened their home/hearts to Mum & I for three nights to allow us to gather our wits, fulfill legal requirements, and enjoy the comforts of home (meals, showers, beds, etc.).
- An incredible insurance policy to cover damages, services, and contents.
- Mum did not own a lot of possessions and/or furniture, therefore disposal and replacement will be effortless.
- The house is quaint and will not take long to rebuild.
- We have a room for Mum to utilize until her house is once again ready for her.
- I’m transitioning between positions/departments at work, which is allowing me the time off to take care of/spend time with Mum while also following up on legal matters pertaining to the house.
- My Mum is (still) with me.
Despite the shock of the event itself, we are experiencing every best possible outcome and there are sincerely no words to describe how grateful we are…
Simply, joy.
Simply, Joy 