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ANR
Dear Editor:
It has been four weeks since the fire that consumed our motorhome, minivan, and 98 percent of everything that we owned. The challenges of this type of loss are hard to express. We’ve spent hours (over 20) on the phone with the insurance companies, there has been loads of paperwork, and a great deal of time spent figuring out what needs to be replaced right now, what can wait to be replaced down the road, and where the funds will come from to make any of it happen.
When many people hear that we “lost our motorhome,” they tend to think something like, “Oh, that’s too bad,” or “Glad that’s all they lost.” And for many people those statements would be true, as they have another, or real, home to go to. For us, however, our motorhome was our home. When we sold our house on M St., we purposely downsized to a motorhome, and kept only our most needed, most precious, and favorite belongings. All of those are gone -- gone in about 15 minutes of fire and smoke. The “remains” that were left have now been sent to the crusher, and are gone for good.
On Dec. 10, 2022, we settled with the insurance company about our minivan. We drove five hours round trip, on Dec. 14, to purchase a replacement vehicle. At this point, we are still awaiting settlement for our motorhome.
While we have read the story of the Good Samaritan many times, and strive to be that person each day, we NEVER expected to be the ones in the ditch, asking for help. Nonetheless, that is where we are. Every day we realize more of what was lost in the fire. It’s incredible to realize that everything is gone, from the smallest, most trivial item (like a pair of tweezers), to irreplaceable items (afghans crocheted by two deceased grandmothers), to our favorite sweater and cowboy boots, and everything else.
The only things that survived were the clothes on our backs, our phone and wallets, our dog and the two of us. We are thankful every minute of every day that none of us were hurt, no one else was hurt or injured, due to the fire, and that we are together, under His protection.
This letter to the editor is to personally and publicly acknowledge, with profoundly thankful hearts, ALL who have been our “Good Samaritans,” in this, our time of need. Please know that your help and support are God’s hand, working provision in our lives, and we will be forever grateful. Please continue to pray for us, and think of us often.
If you would like information about how you can help us, there are two local contacts:
Touch of Health -- Deb Nelson, 1205 M Street
Aurora, NE 68818 (402) 694-6088; JoAnn Bjorkman (402) 604-5280. Or, if you would rather contact us directly: Chris & Michelle Small, 1500 White Oaks Ct., Alamogordo, NM 88310
Sincerely,
Chris & Michelle Small
