Monday, July 16, 2007

Back to real life...

I'm back at work this morning. *cries*. I'm thankful for the great weather we had this past weekend, but man my vacation weather sucked hehe. But there are worst things in life than crappy weather.... My best friend's appartment burned down yesterday afternoon :( She's okay, she had called in sick from work that day and was taking a nap in her pyjamas when it happened. She said that she thought she wouldn't be able to get out.

It's an old victorian style house divided into appartment and she lives.. lived alone in an upstairs appartment. When she woke up the fire had already spread to the back of her appartment. scary!! I'm sooo glad that she's okay, but I couldn't sleep all night, thinking about how she's lost every single thing she owns. Everything she's worked since college for. Not only the new furniture, new computer, new kitchen things, new clothes etc that she bought in the last few months, but the saddest thing to me is the irreplaceable things : family pictures, Africa souvenirs, a vase she inherited from her grandfather, the letters exchanged between her and her biological mother, etc etc. The worst thing is that she didn't even have renter's insurance. I know I didn't think about getting that until I rented a house with Steph.

They don't even know yet what caused the fire, they're investigating. I'm trying to think of a way to help... the only thing I've come up so far is trying to scrounge up some money for a Wal-mart gift certificate so that she can at least buy the basics... toothbrush, underwear, shoes.... Does anyone have better suggestions ?

5 comments:

Hobby Chef said...

Oh NO!! That's so scary! I'm so glad your friend was able to get out without being harmed. I think a gift card for Wal-Mart would be a great way to help her get back on her feet - or at least start to do so!

miika said...

OMG, how scary! So glad she got out unharmed, but how sad to lose everything you own, memories and all.
I think a gift card would be a great idea, and otherwise invite her over for dinner etc. Where is she staying right now? Maybe offer to help her go through her apartment to see if anything can be saved (like that vase you mentioned), or go shopping with her once she has a place again.

Amanda said...

That's just terrifying. I can't even imagine. I am so glad she's OK, though. I think the gift card would be wonderful - and of course, the moral support...I like Miika's suggestion, too.

Anonymous said...

I think a gift card is a great idea!

Personally, a house fire is my worst nightmare. We have homeowner's insurance *and* renter's insurance now but there are so many things that are irreplaceable. :(

My aunt and uncle's house burned down when I was in college. I went through my recipe books and found some recipes I thought she could use and then bought the basic non-perishable items to make them (doesn't occur to you how many spices and such you have until they're all gone!). She said that meant a lot to her in helping to get things back to a new normal.

I will keep your friend in my thoughts.

Jenn said...

How scary! I'm glad that she was okay. I think your idea of a gift card is a good idea.