i was watching the news friday night when i got home from work to see if seattle really had gotten the big dump of snow i’d heard they’d gotten, when flipping from an american channel back to canadian they were reporting an apartment fire which had pretty much gutted a co-op and left 43 families homeless. as the reporter stood in front of the building i was struck with a sense of familiarity and sudden dread. “i really hope that’s not julia’s parent’s building. no. it can’t be. though, i wish i knew what their address is…” then i went on my way, not giving it a second thought.
this morning, glenda asked me if i’ve talked to julia. i told her i had friday when she called to update me on her knee surgery the day before. glenda asked what time. in the morning, i answered. it seems it was, indeed, her parent’s building which had been destroyed by fire.
i feel horrible for her family. her parents are in their fifties and still have their youngest son, who is mentally handicapped, living with them. i know for a fact there are very few options for where they could stay. i will give julia a couple of days to sort things out before i give her a call. her father works here, i should find out if he’s around and go give him a hug. he’s one of the sweetest men i’ve ever met. he doesn’t deserve the shit he’s had to deal with in recent years.
That is horrible!! I hope they had fire insurance! Please keep us updated on how they are doing.
puts things in perspective, doesn’t it.
i talked to julia this morning.
her parents should be allowed to sift through the remains of their apartment either this afternoon or tomorrow. they’re staying with julia’s in-laws until such time as they’ve found a new place to live. no one was hurt in the blaze and they were very well insured. i know it’s not better than making it all go away, but at least they don’t have to worry about that side of things.
tom, julia’s dad, is very emotional right now and having a hard time keeping it together. when he comes back to work next week, i’ll be the first one to find him and give him a hug.
give him TWO.