I can’t believe it’s been a week since the lightning struck our home. The damage is extensive. Steve explained it well and I don’t have much to add. Many people have asked me how long we will be out of our home and the answer right now is 12-18 months. The home has to be rebuilt from the inside out. What can be restored will be; otherwise replaced. A lot of the sentimental things they tell me are salvageable (family pictures for example).

The response team has been unbelievable and truly professional. Although we have a ways to go, so far, so good.

Just wanted to send a heartfelt thank you...

First and foremost to the firefighters at Spring, Klein and Woodlands fire departments.

Pure Insurance company via USAA who took my call in the middle of the night and were proactive by 2am.

Pinnacle Disaster & Recovery Services / Logan Thrower who called me at 3am and had his crew at the house by 830am.

FRSTeam who safely removed all of the firearms, electronics and valuables.

ART Houston who is handling the transport and evaluation of artwork, portraits, etc.

Regal Construction who will begin the remaining demolition and reconstruction process.

My original home builder who is working with the contractors on the rebuild to be sure everything is done as it was originally.

Thank you all for your texts, private messages & fb comments. Please know that although I am not able to respond, I read every single message and we appreciate the time it took to write them.

Specifically, thank you Jacquelin Garcia de Lizalde for sending Ava hair bows.

The Ava’s & Colt’s friends’ parents that reached out to organize play dates so they were not stuck in the hotel.

My Mom Carol Bergerud for sending money for the kids to buy toys as none survived but the teddy bear Ava was sleeping with.

Waterway Marriott for the accommodations at 4am when we strolled in w garbage bags full of smelly clothes.

Steve’s Mom Maria Luz Centenera-Cyr for washing and folding what few clothes we had.

John Bergerud for handling my meetings.

Elizabeth Knight for holding the office together.

Ashley Haldane for coming to the house and taking our dogs at 3am.

Ashley Rocha for handling the initial meetings w the contractors as I tended to the kids and for extracting all my important documents from my office. And just being my right hand all the time. You are a Godsend.

And our sweet friend Becky for helping us find a “vacation home” for 18 months so quickly.

I think everything is too fresh to really understand the lesson in all of this, but I think at the end of the day, it’s to cling tight to your family and true friends who support you in your time of need. Material things are immaterial. It’s amazing what little you really “need” in life. Everyone always asks the question, what would you grab if your house was on fire; obviously my kids, but I also grabbed my contact lenses, phone & purse. So practical. Lol.

Hugs