3:29 a.m. Asleep in a super comfortable bed, surrounded by tons of pillows, my favorite snuggle blanket and the soft sound of the fan. Cozy huh...
3:30 a.m. I'm startled. Scared. What is it that is causing me to hear the sound of Bill's voice yelling? "Brooke, baby, get up, Nicole....!" I quit listening.
Lights on, where the hell are my shoes? I can only find one. UGH!!! Finally I find it. I make it to the main floor without tripping on the stairs, a witnessed miracle I would say. I approach the door, take a look around, the TV is on, and the lights are out. This is not a normal sight to see being this late hour. What could it be??? Bill tells me again, knowing full aware that I have only heard five of the worse first impression words. "Brooke, Nicole's house is on fire, the kids are OK, they're...." I quit listening again, this needs not to become a habit. I get the girls, one 12 and one 5. These girls are my kids' best friends, these girl are like my own.
I get them inside and settled with my kids; with the commotion mine are now awake. PERFECT! This will keep the kids at ease, watch a movie and have snacks. The girls appear to be OK; it's their mother, my best friend I fear is not as strong. A blast of past memories, fears and an adrenaline over drive. I approach her, this strong beautiful, fantastic friend is me just a year and a half earlier. Colonial Parkway was under yet another tragedy. A four-unit row of townhomes was now on fire. Not only my neighbors, but friends were left to fend on nothing because nature called.
Animals were placed between my house and the other neighbor. We gathered, under blankets and sweat shirts we watched as the Bristol-Kendall firefighters did what they do best, save lives. After a hour or so the fire was done. The 6 or 7 trucks are en route to their stations. Just as the last truck was packing up, the fire sparked again, the hot spot wasn't ready to cool off. We stared in awe.
Every fire has its ending point. It's then your turn to start to fix all that has been forced upon you, but where is it that you begin? If it weren't for the fire department and the Chief to guide you, or the Red Cross there by your side. Not enough can be said in regard to the level respect these mighty fine people and their huge hearts do for one another. As for 'just our neighbor' thank you for the support and the shoulders to lean on during a scary time.
Three of the four units in 118 Colonial Parkway suffered severe damage.
If anyone is willing and able to donate, please do. If not to these families but to the Red Cross. If it weren't for their help they would be worse off. Never know who may need them next, though I hope you never do. Further info will be posted in aid to these families.
