Part of the insurance process is to think through all our
possessions, room by room, item by item as thoroughly as possible. It’s a huge task!
We have to estimate numbers of clothing per person. I have to list the contents of my desk and
the boxes we had in the storage room. I
have to itemize the linens and towels. We
have to list all the kitchenware. We
have to detail each one of J’s tools!
And it’s not these items that are the hard ones. It’s the items that can’t be replaced that
are the hardest to think about. Some
items can never be again.
My great grandmother’s piano. The oak table my dad made when I was
young. The small table and chairs set
that was just like the one dad built for me when I was the same age as my kids. The mementos we kept to remember our son by –
his clothes, his teddy, and his name plates from the NICU, the cards from
friends and family, the glass box containing castings of his hands and feet,
all the pictures.
I can replace the clothes and most of the furniture. I can replace the toys and the
electronics. It’s the heirlooms and the
mementos that I can’t replace. Yes, I’ll
live. I’ll make it through without these
items, but it’s these items that make it hard.
I’m grateful there was no loss of life. That is of most importance! Had we lost one of our children, or their
friend, in the fire... Wow, that would be close to unbearable. Having experienced a loss of a baby before, I
know how hard that is, but I think it would be so much harder to lose a child
who we’ve had the time to get to know and have seen grow and develop for many
more years. Really, though, I don’t let
my mind go there very often, except to say, “Thank you, Lord, for sparing us
all!”
Striving to learn and live God's purposes,
5 comments:
Dear Girl, I am amazed by your fortitude, your calmness whilst trying to pick up the pieces of your life again.. all those momentos that are irreplaceable, you will fill in with other memories just as valid and wonderful.. we only borrow things for a while, we can never take them with us into the big beyond, so you obviously had your special time with them and its now the moment to create some more.. You are so lucky that no one was hurt or died, but the shock must still linger.. I am glad you are finding time to blog as I love to read what you have said. I am a new blogger and cannot believe the love and kindness of people out there, so much sharing and giving of time and ideas, its quite amazing.. I do hope that you will be able to cost everything up, although a life time's worth is hard to imagine, but clothes and objects are just that, you are the most valuable and your little family. God keep you safe, and all the best from me in England.. J
I can only imagine what you are going through! So sorry that so many precious mementos are gone! Praising God that you are all safe and that 'stuff is stuff, mostly'!!!
LaDonna:
We're praying for you as you deal with these very difficult and emotional losses. It can't be easy remembering what will never be again.
May God bring extra special blessings into your life everyday to remind you of His great love for you.
Ruth
Yes stuff is stuff, and stuff is just temporary.
LaDonna,
I'm weeping as I read your blog aloud to Uncle Terry. I am so, so sorry for your loss. It's easy for all the rest of us to say..."well, at least no one was hurt"...but after reading your blog, I realize how glib that sounds. I know that getting your kids and yourself out was of the utmost importance and we are thankful for that, but as you put your feelings on paper so passionately, I have to come to realize that you and J have lost so, so much more. I have never lost a child, which in itself is an herrendous blow to parents, and I would never assume tell you that I know how you feel.I continue to pray that the Lord will soothe your heart and emotions and fill you with His grace. Even saying that sounds somewhat glib, but it is something I can do for you. I feel like I am unable to do much more, but I will do what I can.
My heartfelt love to you and yours.
Auntie Holly
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