Buzzings from a quilter who bumbles her way through life!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

A Real Set Back, But NOT a Tragedy!

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I haven't been able to access my blog for a week now, but I have an excuse. Our house burned to the ground last Tuesday night. Here is a pitiful photo from my phone. This is from the garage side looking in to the house. The shell of a car was my husband's fairly new car. I'm told that coming back from a fire is a long process, so I'm hoping that blogging a little about it will help me.

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The fire started in the garage and quickly spread to the attic in the house. Our garage, although detached, was connected to the house with a breezeway and roof. We were told that our attic was on fire before we even knew there was a problem. We saw our lights flickering and looked out the window to see the garage on fire! We grabbed the cat, my purse, and the hard drive and ran out barefooted.  Poor little Sugarplum, the very talented cat you've seen in previous posts, was in such a panic she fought me really hard to get out of my arms, but I managed to hold on to her.
Our house was a total loss. Since we live out in the country, the volunteer fire department couldn't get there in time to save it despite their heroic efforts. Fire departments from four surrounding counties came. There just wasn't enough water to control the flames.
I stood among MANY friends and family who showed up to support us. Our sweet neighbors brought us shoes to put on and water to drink. It is very surreal to stand and watch your house burn. I shook uncontrollably for several hours despite the heat. I kept thinking, "This is not the kind of thing that happens to ME!"
Thank goodness, God took care of us and we escaped unharmed. We are so blessed to have family nearby. My parents have a little apartment above part of their house and we are very comfortable here until we can rebuild or find a house. We are keeping this in perspective, too. This is NOT a tragic loss. Losing a child or a spouse would fall into that category. We will come back from this and be just fine. We have each other as well as family. We don't need anything except patience and a clear mind to deal with the aftermath. Insurance will eventually replace most of what we needed. We're sad, but not grieving the loss of material possessions.
I am not writing this to gain your sympathy. Many of you out there are suffering losses much greater than this and I DO realize that! I'm so thankful for all my blessings!
I will participate in the Wicked blog hop started next week. My projects are gone, but I had a couple of photos during the process that I had taken with my phone to show my sister what I was doing. I will show those. You won't see them in their finished state, but close enough that you can use your imagination!
Thank you so much for being here, reading this, and coming back in the future. I will get back on track. My camera will be replaced as well as my computer. (I am borrowing one now.) In the meantime, blessings to you!!!
                                                     

105 comments:

  1. oh no Linda, I'm so sorry to hear that. x

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  2. I can relate - although not a total loss, we have had two chimney fires and it takes a while to focus on the reality. You amaze me how clear you are and I send my blessings and prayers.

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  3. Oh my goodness Linda!
    You're so calm - I'd be a gibbering wreck!
    Thinking of you.

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  4. Oh Linda!!!! I can't imagine what you are going through. So very sorry that you lost everything like that. My father was burned out years before I was around; and it has always been my biggest fear.
    Take care and stay positive; as I can see you are doing.

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  5. With a heavy heart and many prayers, i am soooo thankful for your attitude, by the way you pick yourself up and move forward. There really is so much to be thankful for...things can be replaced, lives not so....to new beginnings my sweet ...if you need anything welllll you know x

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  6. Linda,
    I will bring you my brother quilting sewing machine this weekend. Tell me when you can meet.
    I have lots of goodie fabrics to bring to you as well as threads and anything else you need.
    Hugs Hugs Hugs... call me...or email me to let me know where to meet you.
    This is not an option.

    Lana
    ldunkerley@comcast.net
    832-518-0860 cell
    832-412-1411 wk

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  7. Wow you are amazingly optimistic - your attitude will see your through! I would love to send you a little something if I may - you deserve it! amycav at hotmail dot com

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  8. Linda I am so sorry to hear your sad news and although you have a fantastic perspective of this, it is still devastating. I must admit I think it is something I always fear, especially with all the electrical things we seem to run now. I hope everything is replaced quickly and you can get back to normal soon. So glad that you are all safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Susie x

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  9. Linda Dear my heart is breaking for you and your husband. Your beautiful spirit is amazing and I am certain you will recover from this horrific tragedy. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Bloggers are a caring and compassionate lot and I am thankful you are sharing your journey with us. Happy you have family and friends who support you with love and more. I am always reminded of a saying my mother taught me when I was young, "Fire can be a wonderful servant but a terrible master." Thankfully you, your husband and kitty are safe. Prayers and Healing Energy for your return to a new home and activities you enjoy.

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  10. I am so sorry for your loss but THANKFUL you all got out safely though I'm sure Sugarplum had her fur in a twist. Sending you hugs and prayers!

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  11. Oh Linda, I'm so sorry to hear that. But you have posted with such grace for the situation that I can only imagine you will pull through this challenging time with God's hands on your lives.

    Hoping you persevere until you have your own roof over your heads again.

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  12. Oh my gosh. Please send me your address. I have a little camera that has been looking for a new home. I'm so happy to hear that you, your family, and your cat are safe.

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  13. Sending hugs and prayers...glad you all are safe....I will be looking forward to your Wicked posts!!!!

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  14. I a so sorry to hear that you have lost everything. But very glad to hear that you and yours are safe.

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  15. So sorry to hear about the tragedy. You have such a positive attitude about it all and that is very important. Prayers and thoughts out for you and your family.

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  16. Oh Linda. How awful for you. I'm so glad no-one was hurt. You can always replace a house and things. Take care of yourselves. Sending you hugs. Christine xx

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  17. I just don't have the words. I admire your courage and your perspective. That you are all safe and that you have wonderful friends and family is the best!.

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  18. Just reading this has left me stunned and tearful.... I cannot comprehend the thoughts and feelings that you are experiencing. I'm so very grateful that you are safe with a place to call home during your rebuilding. My prayers go out to you and may God wrap His loving arms around you and continue to give you courage and strength!

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  19. Sorry doesn't come close to capturing the feelings I have for you at this moment. I will say prayers of thanks that the 3 of you made it out what getting hurt. Your positive attitude will get you through this. Your blogging friends have your back. We'll be here.

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  20. Hi, Linda. Wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you. You're so lucky to have the great family support system around you. I'm so glad that you are all okay. Stay strong and stay positive. Lane

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  21. oh gosh. I am so sorry to hear about your house!! Very thankful that you are all safe though and with folks that care about you. Blessings as you deal with all you need to deal with...

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  22. What a dreadful experience for you all Linda! You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go about the re-building of your life and all the grief you must be experiencing- I cannot start to imagine.

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  23. Those of us who read your blog and love your posts feel like you are family to us and our hearts hurt with yours. You are indeed blessed to have each other, family and friends safe from harm. Everything else will come with time. I know you lost some treasured memorabilia....pictures, quilts, etc. But those memories are in your hearts and can't be lost from there. May God give you strength, peace and grace. blessings, marlene

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  24. Oh, Linda, honey, I am so sorry. The pictures didn't come through, but I can just imagine. The comment about mine by StitchinByTheLake says it all. My thoughts are with you and your family as you cope with rebuiding your lives. Thank goodness you are all safe.

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  25. Linda I am so sorry to hear about your house and possessions but I am so glad that you got out safely! My thoughts are with you sweetie.

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  26. Linda, so sorry to hear this but so happy your family is ok. I have a favorite saying for times like this....if God leads you to it, He will get your thru it. Hugs!

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  27. I love your positive attitude about the loss. God is good.

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  28. The most important thing is that you, your husband, and Sugarplum got out safely. Such a scary thing to have to go through. Your attitude is amazing and will get you through this.

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  29. I'm so glad you, your husband and the cat escaped unharmed. But it must be devastating to lose everything. Your positive attitude is wonderful. {hugs}

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  30. Linda, I am truly sorry for all that you have lost, but the most precious things have been saved. So I am thankful for that. Your attitude is amazing and that will make you strong and help you get through the days as they come. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.

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  31. My I am so sorry. My mother n laws house burned down the same way the end of August.Her's started in the garage also and went right up into the attic also. She lost pretty much everything except what the fire fighter got out. She lost thirteen quilts which was so sad. She is now in the process of rebuilding and hope to have her back in by Christmas. She is lucky that she had such a big family to help her rebuild. Good luck and hope you get back into a new place soon.

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  32. I'm so sorry to hear about your tragedy. At least you are okay and have maintained your positive attitude. My hugs and prayers are with you.

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  33. So, so sorry to hear your news! Yes, it's not a tragedies, but nevertheless, it's upsetting, to say the least. Your positive attitude is admirable and will help you deal with everything that needs to be done now. Praying for you and sending lots of love.

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  34. Oh my goodness Linda! I'm so sorry for you. Yes, your things will be replaced, but still. So hard to get through. Blessings on you

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  35. Dear Linda I a so sorry that you loss so much but as you said the important things things got out,
    One never knows how we will react but you are a very strong lady who realizes what is important.
    Things can be replaced and your wonderful memories will always be with you.
    May God bless you and family and keep you strong. Know you are loved and supported by all your friends in blog land . Hugs Sandra

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  36. I'm so very sorry for your loss. When my house caught fire this past March I was so devastated, although we were fortunate that it did not burn down. I can imagine what you must be going through! I'm so glad you and your family are safe! Will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

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  37. What a terrible thing to experience. So glad no one was injured and I believe your attitude and faith will get you through.

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  38. I'm so happy you all were able to escape. Sounds like it was close. You are blessed! It's still hard to lose so much, but you are safe and sound and home with Mom and Dad. Prayers from Elgin.

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  39. How thankful I am that you were able to escape the fire, LInda. Your faith is so evident by your attitude. I will be praying for you to have strength, comfort and trust in the days to come. Bless you.

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  40. I am so sorry about your house! What a shock that must be. But, thank the Lord you are safe!

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  41. God Bless you and family ALL's SAFE thats the important part! know how hard this is as I've been in these shoes, take your time

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  42. Your heart must be broken Linda. You have such a positive attitude...that will get you through it. God bless you and your family.

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  43. Oh my goodness, I am so glad you are safe.

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  44. I am so sorry you have had to go through this. Praise God that you, your husband and furbaby all got out safely. Prayers for a quick rebuild just the way you want it! I also live in the country with a volunteer fire department and the thought of a fire terrifies me. If there is anything that your internet friends can do to help you, please let us know...it would make us feel better if we can bless you in some small way!

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  45. Linda, this is a terrible thing to happen to you. It is a tragedy. No matter what you say. Yes, you have loving family around to catch your fall and yes it is "only" material goods that have been lost. It still is a tragedy. So have a good cry (as often as you need to) and scream a little bit (also as often as you need to). Then breath deeply and start over. A lot of work is coming your way, to rebuild your life. I would say I am lighting a candle for you.....but that would be a bit nasty.... I am sending you good thoughts in stead. Good luck

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  46. Linda I am heartsick about this. My sister & family lost two homes to fires and though there are worse things to have to go through in life it is a big hurt to lose the things that have memories attached to them. I am praying for you as you go through this hard time.

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  47. So pleased to hear the two of you and little Sugarplum are safe and well. As you say the material things can be replaced and the love and memories from the house will ever remain in your heart. Take care and God is always with you.

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  48. Like the literal phoenix, you will rise from the ashes of your house brighter, stronger and more beautiful (I am not sure that is even possible ;) I will keep you in my prayers. If you need anything please do not be afraid to ask. When you are ready to accept donations to rebuild your stash let us know. Hugs from NC.

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  49. So sorry to read about the fire but very pleased that you are safe and sound. You have a wonderful attitude which will help you get through this setback. All the best in the coming months. hugs......

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  50. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your home. I always wonder what I'd grab first if my house was on fire.....
    I was going to de-stash and sell at my friend's garage sale some fabric I don't want/need. It's not the prettiest fabric or falls into the category "what was I thinking"....If you would like my fabric, I will save it for you and mail it when you're ready to move forward. Let me know. Karen

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  51. Oh my Linda! I'm sorry your house and car are gone, but so glad that you and your family are okay. Do you need anything in the "sewing/quilting" department? I could send you some fabric, extra duplicate tools I have, etc. Send me your address and what you could use and I'd be happy to mail you a few things.

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  52. Such a tragedy, but a blessing that you and your husband (and kitty) are safe. I have thought of this scenerio many times as to what I would grab. You never know until you are there. God bless your family and friends....and you will rise from this, your attitude is great.

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  53. Hugs my friend! May your loss be restored 100 fold! Just as the refiner's fire burns away the dross, may the memories and treasures that remain of the time spent in your home be of purest gold, blanketed in love, surrounded by peace and overflowing with joy. May the heartaches be forever washed away and as you have been ushered into a new season may you be as a child with wide eyed expectancy for the blessings that are before you this day are far greater than any you have ever known before. God Bless You!

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  54. Prayers for your continued strength! Our garage caught fire a few months back and that was a pain to sift through. I cannot imagine my whole house! (And if you recall my husband is a fireman) I hope all goes smoothly for your transition. If you need anything please...ask!

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  55. Oh Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. The main thing is that you and your hubby are okay. You are such a sweet person. I feel just terrible about this happening to you. Please continue to look at the bright side no matter how hard it is. God has a plan for you. Let me know if I can do anything for you.

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  56. Saw a post on facebook from Michelle Carlson about the fire. I am so sorry. Praise God you and Doug are ok. It will certainly take time and patience but I know you will regroup and go on. I am so sorry your projects were lost. I will certainly be praying for you both. Miss you, good friend.

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  57. You've got a great perspective on this, but it is still quite a devastating loss. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this...lots of hugs and prayers to you and your husband.

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  58. oh my goodness!! I am so sorry to hear about your home. Glad to hear that you are all safe. sending lots of hugs and prayers your way!

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  59. Wow! What an inspiring attitude! Hoping all goes smoothly with your recovery from this setback!

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  60. You have such a positive attitude and that is what I think is what will get you and your hubby through this. Since everyone is safe, stuff is just stuff and can be replaced.

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  61. Sorry for your great loss but so thankful you and your husband and kitty are safe. With an attitude like yours this hard time will be much easier to endure. Thinking of you both through this time.

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  62. Sorry for your great loss but so thankful you and your husband and kitty are safe. With an attitude like yours this hard time will be much easier to endure. Thinking of you both through this time.

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  63. I was so sad to hear about the fire. Can't imagine trying to sit down and write today's blog, but I pray it helped to begin some healing for you and your family. You expressed it Ina most beautiful way. I will keep you in my prayers.

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  64. So sorry to read about losing your home. With your positive outlook, I am sure you and your husband will be able to get through this tragedy. Still very sad to lose all your "stuff".

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  65. Linda, I am soooo sorry to hear about this. My Mother lost her house (which had been my Grandparents home) to fire 6 days after we burried my sister so I know what you are going through. It is not easy but take it one day at a time and know that God was watching over you, your husband and kittie. I will be keep you all in my prayers.

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  66. Linda:
    I am so sorry to read about your tragic loss. Your attitude is remarkable. I am so thankful you were all able to get out without any physical injuries. I have so many duplicates in the supply area and lots of fabric (quilt shop quality) looking for a new home. Please email me your address and when I get back from vacation at the end of the month I will ship it to you.

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  67. Linda. There are no words. None. You have the right perspective and the God-view. But the shock will wear off and you will grieve for lost tangible memories (photos, etc). Let me know of any way I can help restore quilt things. Rulers, fabric, whatever. I'm glad you have loving supportive people around you. Those are the arms of God. They will heal and comfort you. Love and blessings to you.

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  68. Linda, I am so sorry. But you've got the Yoga Mindset down: cultivate unattachment. Wow. You are my hero.

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  69. Sorry to hear about the fire. I know from experience how stressful it can be to lose everything in a fire but you, your husband and your fur baby are safe. That's what really matters. The rebuilding will be stressful at times and you will miss certain material things that had memories attached to them but with your positive outlook you already have a head start.

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  70. Blessings to you and your family!!!

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  71. Thinking of you and your family. Love your blog. Mary in Boston. :-))

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  72. OMG, I cannot even imagine what you must be going through. I CAN understand you shaking uncontrollably. But please know that we quilters are a helping group and we would just love to set you up with sewing supplies so you can get back to some of your normal activities. Thank you so much for planning to still participate in the upcoming bloghop. Your attitude is full of grace.

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  73. Very happy to read you are safe. I am sorry about your loss.

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  74. My, my goodness - so glad you were safe. My mother and her parents lost their home to fire before I was born, and the biggest loss was the lack of photographs for me to know part of the family history. It's just amazing how much damage can be done so quickly. Take care.

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  75. So sad to hear about the loss of your home. Your family is in my thoughts.

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  76. I was talking with Madame Samm this morning and she told me of your loss. I am so very very sorry to hear this. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  77. I am so sorry to read about the fire. Thankfully, everyone managed to escape unharmed, but it is not easy to start all over again. You have an amazing attitude and will do well in recovering from it. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your husband.

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  78. I am so glad you were safe and were able to get your cat as well. That's what matters. Your strength and humor will see you through and know that you have lots of friends out here who care and are pulling for you.

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  79. my thoughts are with you and I love the positive attitude you have, I don't know many people that would be so positive. I am just glad that you and your husband are safe. You have a long road ahead but I know you will make the best of it.. Hugs and Blessings to both of you..

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  80. Oh my gosh, you are truly blessed, I am so glad you and your hubby are safe and that IS all that matters. Take care and God bless.
    smjohns63 at yahoo dot com

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  81. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, Linda. You show such strength in your writing. I don't know if I could be so strong. It is such a blessing you and your husband and pet are ok. I am so sorry for what you have gone through and the challenging times to come. I hope your blogging friends can be a comfort and help with anything you might need in the future. Hugs...

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  82. I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your house and goods, but your attitude is really encouraging and a blessing. It reminded me of the words of the Lord Jesus, "...a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15. It's wonderful that you all escaped without loss of life or health!

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  83. Hugs and prayers to help my virtual friend heal and start moving forward!

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  84. My BFF's house burned 3 weeks before my wedding. She said that the wedding was the only thing that kept her going. Yes, it is a very long, tough road to come back from. It can also cause lots of stress in your relationship, even though it wasn't either of your fault. God will be with you thru all of this, if you will let him. Please keep us informed of the progress in rebuilding and getting back on your feet.

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  85. I am so sorry you have lost your home. Thank the Lord that you nor any of your family were hurt. That is the blessing in all of this. Another blessing is you have a safe place to live while you put your life back in order. I am sending my best wishes for a smooth recovery and that your new home will be a bright start for your future. God Bless!

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  86. I don't even have words...Know you are being thought of and if there is ANYTHING I can do, please say something....

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  87. Linda, my heart and prayers are with you and your husband. I am so sorry about your house and so glad to know your precious kitty was saved. Your attitude is simply amazing. May you find peace and comfort in the weeks ahead.

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  88. Linda, I am writing this with tears in my eyes. I will be praying for you and your husband as you come back from this set back.

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  89. Hi, Linda. I was sure I had already commented on this but maybe it was on flickr. Praying for you. I'm amazed by your optimistic attitude. I'm not sure I would be able to do that. Just wanted you to know that you are on my daily prayer list and, like Anne, praying for peace and comfort.

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  90. Hang in their , we are praying for you

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  91. OMG Linda...I love your attitude...you, your husband and cat are safe and that is the main thing. Sending you hugs and comforting thoughts as you find the strength to get past this sad time....this inconvenience that one never expects to happen to them. Stay strong and positive and when you look back at this in the months to come, the sadness will turn to happiness once again. hugs, Pauline

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  92. Bless you Linda ... I am positive the goodness you are will be returned to you in thousand fold through this tragedy... prayers and thoughts are being sent to you from Montana!

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  93. dear Linda,
    I'm so sorry for you, but very relieved too, because you your DH and your cat are allright.
    So glad to read, that you are thinking forward.
    Hugs & liebe Grüsse from Germany
    Bente

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  94. Prayers to you, Linda and family. Thank the Good Lord that you are all safe. Will be thinking of you!

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  95. Prayers for you and your family as you deal with this. Words seem inadequate but know that you are thought of and loved. So glad to hear that you were not injured!

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  96. Just heart breaking to see those photos. I'm so glad everyone escaped unharmed. That's what's important.

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  97. WOW! Your attitude is fantastic. May God shower you with blessings as you go along this journey.

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  98. Light, love and many hugs to you my friend. I'm so sorry. :(

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  99. So sorry to read this about your home. But you are right at least your alive to rebuild. My prayers are sent to you along with a big cyber hug.

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  100. So sorry to hear of this rerrible accident! You and your family are in my prayers
    \

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  101. Oh dear LInda, such an awful thing to lose your home with all the memory things you have kept during your life. But I am so happy that you and your husband and cat are well , in spite of all the trouble and work your have before you until you have a new home of your own.
    Warm hugs to you all away from Sweden

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  102. So sorry to hear about the fire. Thanking God, you and your loved ones are safe. Will be praying for you as you deal with mving forward. Keep us posted if there is anyway we can help.

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  103. Linda, I've been on a blogging hiatus so am just now learning of the loss of your home. I am so sorry that you have lost so many personal possessions but so relieved to hear that you and your husband (and cat) escaped unharmed. I admire your determination and perspective. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Sending hugs your way.

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  104. Oh dear! Hugs!
    My husband is a firefighter, full time for a big city, but we live in a smaller town with a lot of farm area and mountainside for the firefighters to cover, and works as a volunteer here in our town. It's wonderful to live near do much open land, but hard on firefighters who work hard to fight fire with limited water resources out there. You are amazing to be so brave! Hang in there!

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  105. Please contact me Linda. I have fabric, notions and quilting mags I'd love to mail to you. You are amazing, but this has to be hard. Your attitude is a gift from God. Hugs, Mary Ann @ RocknQuilts. rock n quilts at live dot com

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