Friday, January 21, 2011

Dearest God,

I am so happy and so sad both at the same time. My aunt and uncle's beautiful home on the lake burst into flames and was still burning out of control three hours later. They do not smoke. They carried the family history with antiques, paintings and pictures. They're in their eighties. I am so grateful they are alive. They were able to get out safely. But I am so sad about their home and furnishings. If I wanted to get up each day to family shots, to open the antique chest to take out towels or to sleep in an antique bedroom with quilts, chest and beds from way back when, I went to their house. It's all gone, all of it.

I frantically tried to reach them by phone to make sure they were okay. I broke down when I heard her voice. All I could say to her was that I was glad they were able to make it out and I was so sorry about their house.

Sometimes I forget how fragile life is, how everything can be wiped out in minutes. My aunt is one of two favorite aunts and I haven't been to see her for a while. Why did I wait? Why didn't I make time to go see them earlier?

As I watched their house burn on the internet, I cried. It was almost surreal. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sparing their lives!

O Lord,
bless my
aunt and uncle
with hope
and peace.
Comfort them
with the oils
of heaven.
Direct them
in their
next steps.
Wrap them
in love,
I pray.

Love, Andy