Up in smoke

Jhonny woke me up at almost 5am this morning with the news that our neighbor's house was on fire. I arose pretty quickly after hearing that and after throwing some clothes on I chased after him to see what we could do. It was raining, but I didn't even bother to grab my coat.
When I got to the scene - two doors down, the entire fire department was busy at work trying to put the flames out and secure the place. "Lot a heat," one said on his way out to refresh himself. Another was at the door with a generator of sorts as the brave men rushed in with masks, hoses, axes, etc. It was a full blown fire. I looked around for our neighbors and their four kids. They were no where to be found.
That's when a lady ran over with her cell phone. She was delivering papers and informed us that the family was gone delivering their route in a neighboring town. She had seen all of them earlier, so no one fortunately was home caught in the fire. She got their voice mail and gave them the heartsick news.
I stood on the lawn waiting for them to come home. As I watched the smoke I started thinking about everything left inside and couldn't keep back the tears. Pictures on the walls of their kids growing up - gone. Clothes, toys, furniture, all the work they'd put into the house to fix it up for sale. . .all gone. Just like that.
I got out my cry so I could kick into counselor mode when they got there. A bit later I realized the oldest daughter was there in a car with her grandparents where she'd spent the night. I went over and got in the car to comfort her. She stared in disbelief thinking of everything that was now gone and letting the tears flow.
A little later the rest of the family showed up - the paper route forgotten and replaced by shock.
The most important thing of course is that the family is safe and they have many friends and family members all willing to step in and help them out. The stuff is just stuff.
Today I held my children a little closer. Here's to eternal blessings that can never go up in smoke.