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.