as we talk about the poor people whose house was destroyed by fire last night.
David and I walked to the Post Office this morning to post a couple of packages, and took a slight detour past the thatched cottage, that was.
It looks very sad this morning. No roof and as it had windows on the second floor that nestled into the roof (I can't remember what these type of windows are called...anyone?), you can almost see into the upstairs rooms. The house is set back from the road somewhat, but has another thatched cottage next to it, and also one behind it. They are so lucky that the fire was contained and did not spread.
I feel so sorry for the old couple that had to leave their house last night. We know that not much was salvaged from the building before the roof collapsed, and so my thoughts are with them. As an elderly couple they must have a lot of personal possessions that would be irreplaceable and be of sentimental and historical value. Or maybe I am assuming too much? Maybe they were not hoarders like myself and so many other people I know, but surely you cannot live somewhere that big, and be that age, without filling it with something? If not belongings, then memories.
The two older boys spent a long time last night watching the fire, and the fire engines relaying up and down the road to the local reservoir for water as the hydrants were not sufficient.
Tom was also an aid to the fire service last night by showing some of the non local fire fighters the way around to the back of the house as it is a very convoluted collection of houses.
And so we have talked about fire in the home this morning and about what you should do. We have talked about escape routes, closing doors and blocking up the bottoms of doors with clothes, the importance of getting out without worrying about personal possessions. These are, after all, in most instances unimportant and replaceable compared to human life.
So I guess, in a glass half full, as opposed to half empty, kind of way, we should be thinking how lucky the couple were to get out in time.
Keep your eye on happy!
3 weeks ago
1 comment:
How sobering. I'm not surprised you feel a bit shaken. We felt similar when the house opposite us caught fire one Christmas (the Christmas lights on the front shorted out) - it was part of a terrace so people either side were evacuated and it was amazing the fire brigade managed to halt the spread.
I suppose it has a bit more resonance for you as well due to Rob. I wonder if you'll have any other firefighters in the house in years to come as well?
A story which always sparks (sorry, unintended pun) discussion of escape routes and fire safety for us is Puzzle for the Secret Seven in which a family's house burns down and the Secret Seven help them out as they have lost everything. It's quite a serious backdrop for a children's story and may be something to read with your younger two to help bring out any worries and put them to rest.
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