Fire

Last night was as normal as could be expected. Bella was down for the night, I started working on YW stuff, and Tyler was doing dental application stuff. All of the sudden someone threw something at our window. We live behind the basketball courts and there are always teenagers hanging out. I disregarded the noise and continued with what I was doing. Two seconds later someone started pounding on our window. Tyler quickly opened the back sliding door to investigate. Our next door neighbor yelled, "the car parked directly in front of your house is on fire, get out!" I ran into our bedroom and grabbed Bella, then ran into the second bedroom to grab a leash for Chester. My heart was pounding. I beat Tyler to the door, but was unable to unlock the door; I was definitely panicking. We rushed outside, and sure enough, the car in front of our bedroom was on fire. Tyler ran to the neighbors in our building and pounded on their doors. They all gathered their children and rushed outside. Not knowing how much of the car was on fire, I ran as far down the street as possible. I felt certain that the gas tank was going to catch, and blow up the car. I watched as neighbors frantically moved their cars; wondering if they were making a good decision. Amazingly Bella was still sleeping in my arms amidst all the noise and confusion. Tyler ran out to the road, and flagged down any cars that were trying to enter the parking lot. It seemed like an hour before the Fire Department arrived, but it was only minutes. The fire was becoming large. As soon as the Fire Department rounded the corner, my fear began to subside. I watched as they smothered the fire with water. As I looked next to me, I noticed my next door neighbor praying with her rosary. She had been praying the entire time, so had I. The fire was out. Our home and ALL our belongings were safe.

Instant gratitude filled my entire being. I was so thankful for the neighbors that alerted us, so grateful that we live in a country that has Fire Fighters, so grateful we got out safe, grateful for all our friends and family. I don't wish to say it was a near-death experience. But the feelings that overwhelmed me afterwards, brought tears to my eyes.

We love you all. We miss you even more since this event has occurred. Love always, the Stark Family.