Merry Christmas everyone! I'm sure most of you already know we had a fire on Monday. I've been desperately wanting to get to a computer so I could let you all know that we are all doing fine. In fact, we are better than fine we are wonderful and it is because of all of our loving friends, neighbors and this amazing community. There are no words for how Ernie and I are feeling right now that can express our gratitude.
We had no idea that while we were all out shopping our house was burning (we're thankful that no one was home, when I think of what might have been, if we were sleeping or the kids home by themselves, I cry instantly so I'm trying really hard not to go to that place) We're just grateful that Ernie got home when he did to save the dogs and well of course the Harley! (Thank God for our neighbors the Prices, Jeff helped Ernie get the motorcycle out of the garage.)
I have so many people to thank and I don't even know how to begin to thank them. The Firefighters, our neighbors, the Red Cross and truthfully this entire community has surrounded us with so much love and support it is overwhelming. Before the flames were even out my neighbors were rushing to our rescue with a place to stay, money, food and clothing. There are no words for how amazing and how proud I am to be apart of this community.
Immediately, our friends like Sheryle Harris, Sandra Cummings, Jessica Kelly, Jon and Leslie Whitacker, Robert and Jennifer Harrison were there to help. All our friends from Ernie's work and his favorite hange out "Scooters" (Formaly known as Buddy's) were collectioning anything they could to help. Bob and Heather Algood gave us their rental house in less than 24 hours we had a place for our entire family and our dogs. (If you've been to my house and know my dogs you know they are beasts.) Thank you so much for working so hard and for giving so much. There were so many generous offers for housing. To all of you I am so grateful. There was such a weight lifted from me when our friends Tim and Donna with Dog Guard came to put in the fence so that Harley and Bo would be contained in the yard. Tim and Monkey, I love you so much! BJ, Heather, Holly and all the kids thank you for working so hard to get it ready. I love all of you.
To Mr. and Mrs H. thank you for opening your home and your hearts to us. I feel such a close bond with the entire Hutcheson family, (Sigh) Andy, Cindy, Aaron and Lindy Jo there are no words for what you mean to us. Carolyn thank you for feeding my poor sweet husband hot potatoe soup after he had stood in the cold for hours, Connie for cleaning and re-wrapping my childrens presents that were saved, The Butlers, The Prices, Ann Marshbanks and Rita, to everyone on our street we love you!
Sandra, Jessica, Sheryle and everyone from The Red Barn you are so dear to my heart. I pray one day I will be able to show you how much your love and support means to me. What you have done for me and my family in this time of crisis can not be measured. I am so truly grateful to each and every person for all of their donations, thoughts and prayers! (small note to Ms. Ju Ju you Rock!)
There are so so so so many people to thank, our friends from BWC, Appleton Harley-Davidson, The Choppin Block, Grace Community Church,Pal's liquor store,Kiddie College,Elements Laser Spa & Salon,and the list just goes on and on! Family and friends out of state as far as Edgerton Ohio and Chicago I have reached out to us.We thank and love you all. It is the generousity of strangers that is most touching. So many people that we don't even know, have never met, have given so much! God Bless you, you are an inspiration!
Ernie and I are so saddened by the loss of our home. I rarely see my husband cry and honestly I don't think he really cried while we watched the house burn but in the hours and days following the fire he has been brought to tears more times than I can count we are so overwhelmed by the love and support we've received. (You all know I haven't stopped crying, eyes are supper puffy, the kids are startin to make fun of me saying stuff like "here she goes again") It has been a hard time for everyone especially the kids. But Ernie and I have both said this has turned out to be the best Christmas of our lives. The true meaning of Christmas is alive in Clarksville my friends. Each and everyone of you is a gift we will cherish forever.
Mohley Crew signing off! Jessie and Kate can't wait to see you tomorrow!
I hope to get the internet tomorrow and I'll be back in action soon! Leslie Whitacker's nomination is the winner for the Giving is Awesome! I'll half to update that more later.
Love to all!!!!! Please forgive me, I know I've forgotten to mention people, I'm so grateful for all of you and everything you've done. Merry Christmas!
