Things I found in the fire...

Recently there was a movie and I think the title was "Things I lost in the Fire" or something to that effect. After what has happened, the things that I found after the fire are what has sustained us the most.
Yes, we have found my things that have been to precious to us....pictures, birth certificates, jewelry. But the most precious thing that I found in the fire is the heart and soul and love and unity of this wonderful city call Pomona.
You are all so precious to us and we thank you from the deepest part of our hearts. Thank you for being there for all of us, thank you for your hugs and tears, thank you for being the city I never want to leave.
I am so proud of you.

God Bless you all.

Dear Pomona

Thank you all who came out yesterday to help shovel through the debris. It's a hell of a town.

3 dump truck loads from the house alone. I think we were able to salvage 5 or 6 pieces of furniture. I have advanced to the "numb" state as I walk through the empty house hopeful that the wood will dry nicely and and not swell further. We are amazed that so many pictures and bibles were saved...things that dated pre civil war. Larry is a descendant of Patrick Henry. I have the certificate from 1998 when the house was on the Heritage tour...a little wet around the edges.
During the years many alterations were done to the interior of the house and it's wonderful to see the pillars that were covered up when the sleep porch was enclosed. So through all of this there are bright moments.
Today the trees that were destroyed are coming down. The rest we are hopeful will survive.
Thank you Meg for mentioning the bureaus/dressers. We have piles of donated clothing and no where to put it. I am going to try to sort through some of it today.
When I look at the backyard, which will be totally baren when all the clean up is done, I would like to make the land available for a community garden. I would like that very much.

Pam

Fire Update

What does one say? Dawn, Fred, Larry and I are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring from this wonderful community that we live it. It will take volumes to thank each and everyone. We grieve, but so do you. Members of the Evans family have paid a visit. The Evans family purchased the house in 1908 and the grandson and great grandson came to the house. They had lived in the house on Pearl and the Grandmother had lived in our house. We carefully ventured into the entry way the wallcovering had pealed away to reveal his grandmother's original wallpaper. It was a very sad moment for them. That was the moment that I realized that we had only been caretakers of this beautiful home and that there had been so many others before us with wonderful memories.
The morning is the hardest when I wake up and realize that I cannot make a cup of coffee and sit at my computer overlooking the garden. There is no where I would rather be than Pomona.
The help is needed most at Dawn's right now with the plants. Saturday is our clean up day. We thank so much those that have brought clothes and food. We are telling everyone who wants to help to go to the Dawn's house next door in the back yard. Food and water to help the volunteers is very welcome. We love you all and ask to keep us all in your prayers.

Fire Update

After speaking with the insurance company we find that we were probably under insured. We will see how far it goes once the adjusters finally appear.

We feel that the downstairs can be saved and the upstairs rebuilt. The cottage is a complete loss and everything behind it.

The lawn in our yarn was mowed that morning by Larry, but the vacant lot behind Dawn's and our house was at least 2 to 3 feet high with dried grass. It is a sad note.

Pam Henry

Pomona my sweet Pomona

To all, and I will try to pull back the tears, thank you so much form the bottom of our hearts. Dan McIntyre is the most incredible person on this planet. I can never, ever repay Dan and Joan for being the friends that they are, coming to our aid. We are all saddened over our losses, but it will take more than a friggin fire to drive Dawn and I out of Pomona.
Yes, we are very upset with the fire department. THOSE HOUSES COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED. Therein lies the tragedy. The deep grief in my heart is having to bury my pets that could have been saved. The children are fine, we are fine. Dawn and Fred are terrific. Those that brought food and clothes and shared in our tears are priceless friends and neighbors. And we all thank you.
We lost the cottage that our yarn shop was in that was built in 1887 and the roof and top floor of the main house is gone. We will know tomorrow whether or not we will be able to rebuild. Sadly Dawn's house has been red tagged. My heart is so sad for her and Fred. I have no idea what the Lord has in store for us, but my deep faith in Him is strong. We live in Pomona...and we have a hell of a town!!
Thank you all again for your prayers.