Many years ago a very famous basetball player's house burned with everthing in it. I told my Father, who was still living at the time, that I had no sympathy for the filthy rich basketball player whose house burned. After all, he had enough money to rebuild and then some. I fugrued he had more money than God so what does he care. I was a stupid 18 year old.
My Father set me straight. Even though he has been dead for over 13 years, I will never forget what he taught me in that regard. My Dad was no bleeding heart either. He lived through the Depression when things were really hard for him for many years.
He said that when anyone's home burns, it is a MAJOR tragedy in their lives and to try to put myself in their situaition. All the personal stuff that may have been there for generations is gone. I now know my father was absolutely right. Riich, Poor, Middle class, if your house burns it is major tagedy.
I'm sorry for your loss Denny. I don't know you but nonetheless it is a tragedy. I am pleased that you and yours are alive. You can replace things but life is another thing. I have been though some situations in my life where me and my family were lucky to get out alive. The stuff we had accumulated was secondary. If I had lost a family member or anyone, all the stuff in the world couldn't make that up. Things are things. Not to take that lightly, because I know full well the blood sweat and tears it takes to accumulate things that are important in your life.
However, your lives are vastly more important than any worldly goods, or any fortune you may have accumulated.
Add my prayers to your list. I haven't visted the site for some time but I am sorry to hear of your misfortune. I hope that you can re-build with a minimum of pain and hassle.