On Wednesday around 3:30, the air conditioner shorted out and caught the house on fire. Dad had fallen asleep in his chair right next to the wall where the fire started. My little brother was out in the garage when he smelled smoke. He ran inside and had to slap Dad awake, yelling, “The house is on fire—get out!” Instead of leaving, Dad pulled the air conditioner out of the window, then ran back inside with a water hose. Thankfully, the fire department arrived shortly after and was able to put out the fire.
The damage, however, is severe. That end of the house will have to be completely rebuilt, and the family lost nearly everything—clothes, beds, furniture, and more. This past year has already been incredibly hard, with Dad in and out of the hospital due to strokes and seizures. Now, after losing their home, they really need some help getting back on their feet.
