This was supposed to be the day I recommenced the My Town Monday posts.
This was supposed to be my last day off before returning to work tomorrow.
This was not supposed to be a terrible day that I will never forget.
My house burned to the ground early this morning. I have no fancy words or clever metaphors to make this anything but a short post. My mind is shot.
We are all safe and for that I am thankful but for now I'm homeless, overwhelmed, and distraught. The writer in me wants to say that I know have another life experience to draw from, but for now my mind cannot is too busy struggling with the reality of my world to even contemplate making up stories.
I'll be back at some point and maybe I'll be able to better articulate my thoughts at that time, but right now I'm not sure when. And I'm sorry for dropping such a depressing and short post, but I count all of y'all as my friends and I thought you'd want to know.
154 comments:
I am so, so sorry. You and your family will be in my prayers. I'm so glad you're all safe.
My God, Travis, that's terrible. I can only imagine what you and your family must be going through. You'll be in my prayers.
That's awful! I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry Travis. You and yours will be in my thoughts.
Oh, Travis, how dreadful. I am just glad you are all safe. Take care of yourself.
like you, i'm a bit speechless. wow.
so scary. so good that you're all fine. but so scary.
stay in touch as you can and open yourselves to love from everyone (including us virtual folks) who will be sending love and anything you need.
~carolee
Holy sht!
I'm glad to hear that you and your family is okay.
Don't even worry about us or your blog. We'll still be here when your ready to come back.
You just take care of what has to be taken care of.
Stay in touch when you can.
Oh, Travis, I am so sorry to hear this. I'm glad to know that you and your family are all right. You're in my prayers for the foreseeable future. Take care of yourself; we, your readers can wait until you're ready.
My, God. James Reasoner last year and now this. I am so sorry. Wish there was something more to say.
Oh, my Dear Lord. I am so sorry to hear this news, Travis. I'll be praying for your family, and please don't hesitate to post any needs we may be able to help you with.
Terrible news, terrible event. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.
Travis- We are praying for you!
Let us know where to send contributions when you find the time. Blessings to you & Family
Oh my God, Travis, I am so sorry.
I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune, but take comfort that the most important part of home is safe...your family.
I'll be looking forward to your posts once this is behind you. We're all thinking of you.
Travis,
Please post any needs on your blog or send me an e-mail, I'd be happy to help in any way that I can.
You and your family are in my prayers.
SL
I'm so sorry to hear this, Travis. My thoughts are with you and your family.
How terrible for you and the family. Do you need anything??? Will be praying. I could cry.
I am so glad that you are all okay. Contact me if you need anything.
Travis,
God Bless and keep you and your family. We are all sending love and prayers.
Hugs, Terrie
OH, No! Travis, I don't know how to reach you but please email me or call (I'm in the book under Jeff Archer). Let me know how I can help. I'll spread the word to your Amarillo writer family.
Hugs,
Jenny
How awful! You are in my prayers and please let me know what I can do to help. I'm back in Louisiana and not that far away.
Oh, I'm so sorry. I've met you a couple of times (at FiW and at Jenny and Linda's book signing at the library) but I don't know you personally. I'm good buds with Jenny, though, and she speaks very highly of you and your talent.
My prayers are with you. I'm so thankful no one was hurt physically. But emotionally--it's understandable that you need to take a step back and regroup.
Take care...
Anita Howard
Hey, Travis! Your fellow writers are here for you. Let us know what will meet your immediate needs,okay?
I know we;ve only met online, but Jenny has always spoken highly of you and I haqve enjoyed reading about you through the blogposts and Twitter.
Prayers for you and your family!
April Redmon
I'm so very sorry, you & your family are in my thoughts.
Oh my gosh, I'm so very very sorry!
Travis, you and your family are in my prayers. Thank the Lord all of you are alright!
holy smokes, travis. #1 praise God you are all alive and well. #2 you will be in my prayers. #3 Let me know if I can do anything for you all.
I'm very sorry Travis but am glad you're all safe. I hope to heck you had insurance. Email me at frank(at)frankbaron dot com if there's anything I can do.
Travis, what horrible news. Of course, I'm glad you and yours are safe. But I am so so sorry you're going through this. xo
Oh my god, Travis, how awful. I'm so glad you're all safe, but to lose your home. I'm so sorry.
i'm so sorry....you and yours will in my prayer too...
I just heard....Jenny emailed me. I'm so sorry for you and the fam. Let us know what you need and we'll be sure you get it.
Travis,
Words can't express how sorry I am that you're having to go through this. Whatever we can do to help you, please let us know.
I'm so sorry to hear this. You and your family will most definately be in prayers.
Oh man. Please tell me you have insurance.
I am so very sorry to hear this.
Nightmare, nightmare, nightmare. All the best for the coming days and glad you are all safe.
How awful, Travis! But I'm so very glad you and your family are safe. Please don't hesitate to shout if there's anything any of us can do for you. My thoughts are with you.
Please tell us what would help most at this time. I would like to help. I am so terribly sorry.
How awful! Thank God you and your family are safe!
Ahhh shit! Sorry to read this but I have no doubt in your ability to persevere T. What Cloudia said...
I'm glad you are all safe, and will be praying for all of you. Please keep us posted when you can.
Thank GOD you are all safe and sound. You will be in ALL our prayers as you begin to put your life back together. PLEASE let us know what we can do.
Oh Travis, I am so so very sorry. That is awful. I will keep you & your family in my prayers during this terrible time. I'm glad you are all ok.
What a traumatic event - I am so sorry to hear about this but glad to hear that you and your family are safe. We lost our barn to fire in 2002 including my art studio and 30 years of work. Luckily it didn't have time to spread to our house. I have just a small idea of what you are going through. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Travis, I am so sorry to hear this truly awful news. Best wishes to you and all of your family. I know that it will be a long haul in terms of hassle and feeling "home again." Hugs.
Dear Travis, I am shocked! I just heard from Barbara Martin, as I'd been laying off reading this weekend. I am sorry for your loss, but relieved to hear your family survived without injury. I will continue the MTM until you are back on your feet, please let me know when you want it. What can we do to help?
Let me know if you need anything that we can supply to you via the Internet. Lots of people will be happy, very happy, to send you clothes, etc.
I can hardly think about anything else so I would be so happy to start something going.
Oh my God, I'm so, so sorry.
I'm glad your family is okay, but this is a horrific ordeal.
My prayers are with you.
I'm sorry Travis. What a disaster. The only ray of light is, I'm so thankful you and your family are okay.
Thank God you're all safe.
Oh my God, I'm so sorry to hear this. Best of luck and let me know if there is anything I can do to help
OMG. I'm so sorry. Thank goodness you're all okay. :hugs:
Oh Travis, I'm so sorry! And I'm so grateful you all are okay!
I am so so sorry. How devastating. I am so thankful that no one was hurt.
Sending support and bloggy-friendship.
So very sorry for your loss, but am very thankful you & your family are all safe.
If you get a chance to post what needs you & your family have right now, I'm sure many of us will do our best to help out.
Very, very sorry to hear about the fire and your loss. But so glad everyone is okay.
Oh, Travis, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am glad everyone is safe. My prayers are already on their way to you. Keep well and know there are so many people who are thinking about you.
Travis -
I'm so very sorry. And I'm so happy that you and your family are safe.
Sending good thoughts your way.
Colleen
Holy shit!
Electrical fire? Christmas tree? Space heater?
Let us know whatever you need as soon you are able.
Oh Dang, Travis! I know you and your family are strong and independent, but when you decide what you need and what could help, let us know. It would help me to help you. For now, you have all my sympathy and best wishes. I am so glad your family's safe.
What a terrible way to start the new year! So glad to hear your family is okay.
I am so sorry.
My thoughts are with you.
wow...just...wow. Glad everyone is okay.
*makes a tent-shape over your head with her hands*
Thank goodness you're all safe; take care and let us know if we can help.
*hugs*
Travis, I'm so sorry!
What do you need? What can I send you? Other than NEED needs, do the boys need replacement Christmas presents?
Oh my God, I am so sorry to hear that. I only know of you online, but I've always enjoyed reading your blog and from what I can tell, you seem like a stand-up guy. This is so awful.
At least you and your family are safe and unharmed. You are all in my prayers.
I'm so sorry. You'll all be in my thoughts.
Wow! So sorry! Our home burnt down the summer after I graduated from high school. I know what you are feeling. It will pass. Hang tough.
:( So sorry
What a shock, Travis.
Remember to breathe.
Glad no one is hurt - that is the most important thing.
Then, remember that the things that don't quite kill you make you stronger! --my ex-late mother-in-law
I'm so sorry, Travis. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
Glad to hear everyone is safe.
Oh Travis. All my good thoughts with you and your family.
Oh, Travis. I am so, so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will be praying for you.
Travis,
I'm so glad to hear you and your family are OK. As you can tell, you have a lot of love and support here in the blogosphere.
Would love to send a care package if you can post an address. PayPal is also an option and only requires an e-mail address.
Hang in there, Travis!
Travis - I' completely serious - please let us know what we can do to help. Nicole
Oh, no! That's awful, hon. [hugz] I'm so sorry. I'm glad you're all well, though.
Angie
Oh, sweetheart - I'm so sorry for you and your family. Let us know what you guys need.
Glad to hear that your family is safe Travis. I hope you are able to regain some sense of normalcy soon. I'll be sending positive thoughts in your general direction.
And like everyone else, I'm very sorry to hear that this happened.
I join in the chorus of glad you're all ok! This is heartwrenching news.
Please tell us how we can help and what we can do for you.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Oh no, Travis. I am SO sorry to hear about this. I will be praying that you will be back up on your feet soon.
Do you have a good support system there? A place to stay, etc.? Don't be afraid to reach out for help.
Please give us an update when you feel up to it.
Hugs to you and your family. (And, yes, thank God everyone is safe.)
Travis, I am SO so sorry. Thank goodness everybody is safe, but I can't imagine the shock & loss you're going through.
Oh, God, Travis! I'm so sorry. Please let hubby and I know what we can do to help. you know your Amarillo writer friends are all here for you. Thank God you and your family are okay. Please please let us know and we will help out in any way we can.
I can't imagine, Travis.
At least you and your family are okay.
OMG Travis. I will keep an eye out for when you're ready to talk about how we can help. So sorry!
Dude. I feel like my lungs are being crushed. I can't imagine how you feel. I know you'll be strong for your fam, but you don't have to be for us - let us help, if we can.
Wow, just heard vis SS@S. I'm glad everyone's okay.
So devastating. I can only imagine what you and your family are going through. My thoughts are with you.
Oh Travis! I literally caught my breath when I read this. I am so very sorry for your loss, but glad all of you are safe. My prayers will be with you.
I'm so sorry this awful thing has happened to you and your family. Thank God you are all safe. Stay strong if you can and we'll all keep you in our prayers.
I can't imagine the pain.
But I'm glad that you're safe, and if there's anything that your friends and fellow bloggers can do, just reach out.
Geeze, man. I'm so sorry to hear that. Another writer friend of mine, James Reasoner, lost his house to fire last year and is finally getting settled down again. I'm glad you and your family is OK but what a horrible New Year's experience. If you need anything, just ask.
I'm so sorry! What a terrible experience. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
If you need anything please let us know. Somehow on this anonymous net we have created a community and I for one think of you as my neighbor and friend. Anything you need, if I can get it for you, I will.
Oh my gosh! Oh, Travis. I have to confess that, having known someone who lost his house, his daughter, and his wife in a house fire that haunted him ever after, my first reaction was: that's wonderful! Thank God!
But of course it's not; that's terrible. Big hugs, Travis.
I'm glad to hear that you and your family are ok, but I'm so sorry to hear what happened.
I'm sending good vibes your way and I hope you get everything sorted out soon.
I'm so very sorry, Travis. Thank goodness you and your family are safe but, OMG what a tragedy. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so grateful that you and your family are safe. When you know what you need,let us know how we can help.
In the mean time, I am sending good thoughts your way.
Travis, I am so glad that everyone is alright. You will all be in my thoughts.
Oh my God, I am sobbing, Travis. WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP YOU???? PLEASE post what we can do--an address to send things to . . . what you need. And prayers, my friend. You have those. PLEASE POST WHEN YOU CAN.
Prayers and support,
E
I am so sorry to hear of your devastating loss. Thank God you are all safe.
You, Jennifer and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so very sorry, but relieved you all are okay.
OMG! Travis! I am so very sorry this has happened! If there is anything I can DO please call me (I will give you my phone once you email me) email me anything you need RIGHT NOW! My mind is numb now that I have read this...know that you and your family are in my thoughts and heart through terrible start to the new year! Please email me and I will send you one back...anything you need I am so there!
email: grneyedraven3@hotmail.com
I am so sorry to hear this Travis. Thankful you are all ok, but my heart still breaks for your loss.
If you need anything, holler and we will all see what we can do.
Many thoughts and prayers are sent to you tonight. -- Mary
Travis, My deepest condolences ring with the over 100 before me. All our best wishes are with you and your family. Let us know if there is anything that we can do to help.
Travis, I echo the sentiments of all the others that have posted. You've alot of people praying and thinking about you. Hang in there.
Travis, I echo the sentiments of all the others that have posted. You've alot of people praying and thinking about you. Hang in there.
You need friends to help you rise above this challenge.
We are here.
Don't be proud, man.
Send us an email with your needs.
My email is on my blog.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Travis,
That is so horrible, and yet, such a relief and a blessing that you and your family are safe! I hope everything works out in the best possible way.
What an awful experience...I helped a friend through the same thing and it was weeks before she could think straight, accept it, and begin to rebuild her life. It takes time.
I hope you have a support network in your area for the immediate needs, but remember you have a cyber-support network out here, too. Put up a donate button on your sidebar and I think you will see how much support we can muster. DO NOT BE PROUD. It's for your family, too.
In the meantime, prayers and virtual hugs are surrounding you and your family. Take care.
OMG, Travis! I'm so sorry to hear this! My thoughts are with y'all. Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you...seriously...
I'm so sorry man, if there is anything you need, tell us man, and your friends will help out.
I heard about this on Debra's blog and just wanted to add to the chorus of sorrys. I wish I could say something more, something that could help, sorry I can't think of anything. But best of luck rebuilding together with your family, phoenixes all of you.
damn that's tragic, travis... so glad you are all safe, though...
positive thoughts and prayers to you and yours, my friend....
The love pouring out to you here will sustain you through this. You are truly cared about.
Thanks to all of you. I really am going to try and get a post up later to explain where I'm at and where things stand.
I'm really sorry to hear about the loss of your house. I hope that relief is quick coming, and that you and your family can recover.
Travis, I am so, so sorry to hear this. Sending best thoughts your way.
Oh my god, Travis! I'm so glad you and your family are safe. I know you of all people recognize the importance of that. You'll be in my thoughts.
Oh, Travis, I'm so sorry. I join in the chorus, if there's anything we can do - just name it. Look at all of these commenters - we all want to help. So if there's anything you guys need, let us know.
Prayers, of course, are being sent your way. Thank God you're all okay.
Oh Travis, I'm so so sorry. You've now read that 118 times before mine, but we just can't say enough how it hurts our hearts to read about your pain and struggle. Thank God everyone is safe, that is something that cannot be replaced. Doesn't make it easier, but at least you have each other. You and your family are in my prayers my fellow Texas buddy!
OMG- Travis! I'm so sorry! :-( If there's anything we can do to help, just tell us! Seriously!
I'll be praying for you and your family- I'm so glad that you're safe, but, wow. :-(
When you're able, put up a PayPal donations button- OK?
Oh my God, Travis! I am so sorry! It's a blessing your family is okay.
Sending you love.
Tena
Reb told me about your tragedy - and while of course I am relieved that you all are safe from harm, I cannot fathom the horror you have been through and the loss you are facing.
Cyber hugs for you and your family.
Just dreadful. I'm so very sorry. And so very grateful you and your family are safe. Sending wishes for miraculous blessings to rain down on you all.
This truly sucks Travis. I am so very sorry. I'm sitting here shell - shocked and not understanding how this could happen which, I am sure, what you're feeling and much, much more. Please know that you and your family is in my thoughts through these times.
Oh, Travis, I'm so sorry to hear about it. Thank God everyone's okay-- the most important thing, of course--but what a thing to face. I can't even imagine. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I just heard the news. My immediate thought was, "Not the funny guy whose profile picture is him and the fish!" Prayers are with you. I am soo soo very sorry!
I'm glad you and your family are safe, but what a terrible way to start the new year. I'm so sorry about your house and stuff. Please take care of yourself.
I'm glad everyone is okay, Travis. I hope the rebuilding process is quick and relatively stress free.
Travis: I just found out about your plight thanks to the wonderful Stephen. I hope the love and support you're getting is providing some form of comfort to you and your family. I don't pray, but hope you know that my thoughts and best wishes are with you and yours. Now, more practically, post a list of what you need to get by short-term so we can start sending you stuff. Lots of Love, Colleen
Travis, I'm so sorry! I'm glad you're safe!!! If you need anything please e mail me at drshoechick@aol.com. (I know my posts are always silly, but I'm actually pretty normal, and I'd be happy to help if you need anything.)
Travis, I am so sorry. I read about the tragedu on Stephen Parrish's blog. The brick campaign is wonderful. Leave it to Stephen to step up to the plate.
Again, I'm sorry.
KIM
how horrible! my heart goes out to you. so glad no one was hurt, but our home is our haven. i will do what i can to help. *hugs* to you and your loved ones.
Travis, please tell me what I can do to help.
Travis, you and your family are in my prayers. My heart goes out to you and yours.
Adriann
I think you will find that your blog community is like a small town...we have rallied around one of our favorites...http://habitatfortravis.blogspot.com/
That's the link to contribute what you can to Travis and family...I've been there, done that.
And now Travis, I've called my girlfriend who just emptied her young boys closet of clothes he no longer wears or won't....I've put her donation on hold until I know if it can fit one of your boys for the foreseeable future.
I have a fifth wheel camper that more than comfortably sleeps 4...it's yours if you need it for awhile! I'm only in Friona, all you have to do is call! I'm in the book! It's nice I promise!
You call me weiner...I'm close and will do what I can.
You and yours are loved by many...hang in.
Robin H.
Holy Cow! My thoughts go out to you ... I am so terribly sorry for your loss, but grateful y'all are safe.
I hope to hear an update soon that things are progressing for you. Let us know if there is anything we can do ... any way we can help.
How terrible, I can't imagine your loss. I'm glad you're family is safe!
Holy crap. I just got back online and found out. So sorry amigo, Kimberly and I are rooting for you guys.
Oh, Travis, I'm so, so sorry to hear this, but just thankful no one was hurt.
Linda
Damn! I'm so sorry to hear about this, but very glad that you and your family are ok.
Hang in there.
I am so very sorry.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am happy that at least you and your family are safe. I hope that you have friends nearby to offer your shelter and comfort. God bless you,which I know sounds trite, but well intended.
Oh my God, Travis. I am behind on blog reading... I'm so sorry to hear about the fire, but am glad you're safe.
Oh my goodness, I am soooo sorry. So glad to hear you and your family are safe. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Poetry Sue/ So Su me sent me over.
You and your family are in my prayers. I wish I could do more to help I am glad you and your family are safe!
If you can think of anything you need- put out the call. Many of us are thinking of you and wanting to help.
Travis, I am so sorry, words are not enough, I will kepp you all in my prayers, thank goodness your family are ok, Thinking of you all
xxxxxxx
Hello Travis,
I just came across your blog and although we have never spoken before, I just wanted to let you know that I am SO very sorry for your loss.
I am glad that no one was hurt and please let me know if I can help in any way. Wishing you and yours, all the very best.
♥
Ashley
I've done the fire thing. I've lost the possessions, I have lost things I thought were most important to me..but I realized how much more my family, the mother who had tried to beat the electrical fire out with a wet towel, the dogs that crowded around the firemen, the puppy that woke me up in time to live, were so much more important than any trinket or article I would ever own.
Travis, God has blessed you with something. He has shown you how you can lose everything, but if you just have faith..good things will happen.
You may have lost a house and things, but you didnt lose your wife, your kids, or God.
God Bless you Travis. You are amazing.
I somehow feel as if I know you, throught the comments on my brother Scotts Blog. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. Remember, you have many friends, on and offline,dont be afraid to ask for help. God will provide the things and the people you need.
I somehow feel as if I know you, throught the comments on my brother Scotts Blog. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. Remember, you have many friends, on and offline,dont be afraid to ask for help. God will provide the things and the people you need.
It might sound strange, but when I read this I thought of our granddaughter, and the thought that she'd lose all her stuffed animals. She is so attached to them. She's an only child, and calls them her little friends.
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Thank god you are all safe. The tragedy of fire is devastating in that you lose everything. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours.
oh my god travis I just found out--just got my internet back--oh my god I'm so sorry
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