Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Crossroads

I had a particularly bad day today.

I am currently in Michigan, here to unload some tanks in the morning. On the way up here, probably around 3pm or so our time, I got a call that said "Restricted Caller."

Usually I don't answer something like that just on general principle. This time, I did.

It was one of my county's undersheriffs, and he was letting me know my house was on fire, plus it was more than likely no hope. The county fire department was fighting it, plus the bales of hay set on fire, plus a grass fire that got started. It was, of course, windy as hell, plus the temperature got up to 112.  He called me later and told me the only thing standing was the old chimney and the foundation blocks. Everything else? Gone.  I understand the fire crews have a night watch tonight to make sure nothing starts back up again.

So, I salute and thank those guys. They saved the neighborhood. My neighbor called to tell me she had driven by at noon and seen nothing, and it apparently got going around two or 2:30.

The worst part of all this?

My poor kitty cat Rooster. My neighbor is out looking for him, and my Sis is coming up from OKC to try to find him, but I really fear it will be to no avail.

The rest of the stuff? No insurance. I've been unable to afford it for some time. It's either doctor bills, property taxes, or something else. All I've got now is the laptop I carry, a week's worth of clothes, my pickup, and the stuff that's in there. It's all just stuff. I'd been selling off my guns to pay bills for the past several years, so I didn't have many left. Now they are all gone including the family heirlooms that meant something to me. I don't have any of the drugs I now need for next week - I just carry the week's supply.

I'm gonna have to find some way to get refills before the insurance company thinks it's time. I was just thinking - my DirecTV bill is due. Not gonna be watching that anytime real soon. And so much more - pictures, furniture, bedding - all the little things we have at our homes for everyday use.

I'd swap it all for my cat if I could. He didn't deserve this shit. I'll survive, and that isn't fair to him, dammit.

I keep hearing that at least I wasn't there asleep and end up roasted myself. Yeah, I'm glad that didn't happen.

I could have dropped my trailer and headed back when I heard about it. My company offered that option to me. I just couldn't do that - I'm responsible for my job duties, and it would have put stress on others. I'd only get back a few hours sooner anyways, unless I wanted to drive day and night. I sure wouldn't do any good after I got back wearing myself out like that. I'm already tired from two long, hard days.

So, at the moment, I'm at a crossroads. Friends and relatives have already stepped up (if you are on Facebook - you are seeing it happen, and I am in awe), and I already have places to live.

I may end up selling the farmground to get another start. I really don't want to move, and perhaps a trailer might be in my future. I'm "trailer trash" anyhow, I just lived in an old tinderbox farmhouse.

So internet access for me might be spotty for a while, and I expect I'll be busy as well. Don't be surprised not to see much happen here or on Facebook from me. I'll keep everyone posted as best I can.

Please say a little prayer for my cat. He deserves it.

32 comments:

CGHill said...

That's about as bad a day as I can imagine.

(As close as I got, and I didn't even know it: my younger sister died while I was on a road trip, and they decided not to tell me until I got back. I couldn't have made it back in time to do anything, but still...)

Fitzgerald said there were no second acts in American life. This is where you get to tell him to fark off.

Cindy Salem-Daniel said...

I can't imagine what you are going thru Jeff but know you are well loved & we are doing what we can to help you with what you need. Your meds may be able to be refilled if talk to insurance. I know some manufactures will help you out if need be. I hope this helps you. You are in our prayers dear friend.(((HUGS)))

SteveK said...

Hi Jeff. I'm so sorry about the fire! It's especially sad to hear about the loss of all of your family keepsakes, the things of your mom's and dad's that mean so much to you. I'm also worried about little Rooster. I'm just hoping that he's hiding somewhere nearby and Kathleen finds him when she gets there tomorrow. I'll keep my fingers crossed and will say a prayer!

Just know that I stand ready to help you anyway I can. I'll be checking in with Kathleen, and I've offered my support to her too. You take care and have a safe trip back.

All my thoughts and prayers to you!
Cousin Steve

Jinglebob said...

Prayers Jeffro. Let me know how I can help, please....

drjim said...

Let me know if I can do anything to help, my friend.
Jim

Old NFO said...

Thoughts and prayers sent Jeff, let us know if we can help...

Old NFO said...

Thoughts and prayers sent Jeff, let us know if we can help...

MorningGlory said...

Sweetie, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I wish there was something I could do beyond offering you room and board in North Carolina (consider it offered). I'll keep my eyes open for news from you here and on FB.

threecollie said...

OMG Jeffro, I am so terribly, horribly sick and sorry. How awful. I will pray that you at least find Rooster. You have welcomed all us readers to the Poor Farm so long and so well that it feels homelike, at least to me. I just don't know what to say.

Moms Musings said...

I am so sorry that you lost everything. I pray that you find Rooster, he probably ran away and will come back soon.

Paintsmh said...

Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope if nothing else at least someone can find your poor cat for you. Thoughts and prayers with you.

Terry and Linda said...

I am so stunned! How horrible. I've been following you from Threecollie for some time.

Prayers for sure! And some decent luck!!


Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

agirlandhergun said...

Very, very sorry for your losses.

nfmgirl said...

I'm sorry for all of your losses, but most of all Rooster. I hope you two find one another once again. Nothing but the best thoughts coming your way...

North said...

Sorry for all of your loss. Prayers from me and my cats to yours.

Shirley said...

Sent here from JB's blog, sure sorry to hear this. Hope you can find your cat, and maybe rebuild something to live in. Prayers going up for you.

Stephen said...

You are in my prayers. New here, jumped over from GBBL, which makes you family...God bless.

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry to hear of your losses. If we can do any to be of any help from here in upstate NY let us know. We have lots of books if you need them. Three collie's mom and dad

Brock Townsend said...

Sorry man.

the family heirlooms

My nightmare.

Erin Palette said...

Oh wow. That's monumentally terrible. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your cat (still holding out hope he escaped to safety).

Do you need donations? We gunnies help each other.

D.E. Bishop said...

Came over here from DennisRanch's. So sorry for your losses. I'd be worried about my cat too. I hope they find her. It is heart-warming to see how many people care about you. God bless you.

lisa said...

You are in my prayers and so is Rooster!

Jess said...

Damn, just damn. You have my prayers.

Cathy said...

May all the caring and love I've read in the comments above - carry you through this tough patch. You are a good man and I pray that all good things will follow in the wake of this heartache.

jed said...

Oh, crap, Jeffro. I am both stunned and saddened. My thoughts are with you, my friend.

Anonymous said...

Horrible, Jeffro. Let me help. Tell me what i can do.

Laura said...

Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Dad Bones said...

Sorry for your bad news, Jeffro. Wish you well in your efforts to pull things back together.

Jena said...

Im sorry for your loss, especially for Rooster.

Joan of Argghh! said...

Jeffro! This post is not a "whine"!

Good, sweet, Savior but you're in a trial and you trust us enough to let us share in your anguish.

Prayers are up for you.

NotClauswitz said...

I'm awfully late finding-out but OMG that's a disaster! My prayer is for you to have strength - and good luck forever after.

ShirleyJo said...

Jeff, I'm stunned to read about this! I'm really sorry it took me so long to see it.
I've been so concerned about fires in Colorado, my daughter lives in Co Spgs, I haven't been really reading all the posts on fb. Never having experienced a fire, it's hard to really understand what it must be like to be so far away and feel so helpless.
I do understand your feelings for your cat, I've had a few pets thrugh the years that were very special an died suddenly. You'll know when the time is right to have another pet.
Small towns are great for pulling together to help their own, and I'm glad Cimarron is helping you out.
So many things can never be replaced, but you'll always have your mamories, and from your blog, I know you have a real treasure there.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shirley Callahan