My niece, Kristina...the saga continues

[KarenSews2]

Many of you will remember my special needs niece, Kristina, who named the Indy Zoo's baby elephant last Fall, and how she broke her leg a couple of months ago. You may also remember that she and my sister have had to live with my parents following a tornado nearly 2 years ago. The insurance had a monetary cap on the restoration, so my sister has had to complete the repairs as she could afford them.

They have been nearing the end of the repairs, and looking forward to going back home soon. Yesterday afternoon a fire broke out in the house next door to theirs and spread to Sylvia and Kristina's. It has not been evaluated, yet, but my mom said she would be surprised if they didn't make it a total loss. Before it was boarded up they were able to go in and get some linens that were not destroyed and they took them to the laundromat instead of doing tiny loads at my folks'. When they can go back in, they will see what can be salvaged from the kitchen and divvy that up so that we can all clean things in our dishwashers.

Sylvia had already been putting some things into the house in preparation for moving back. Cans of paint were not damaged, but a new stereo system was burned.

When Kristina was told of the fire, she cried and said, "And we were almost ready to go back home." It breaks my heart. Seems that if it weren't for bad luck, my sister would have no luck at all. Sigh.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/NEWS01/605070496

[gisli]

The things some people have to go through in life. How very sad, hopefully everything gets better from now on.

[Agnes]

Anything we can do, Karen?

[SongDragon]

That's horrible Karen. I've had beyond my fair share of luck in some cases this year, but unfortunately I don't think I can send it anywhere on will. I hope she can look forward to being home again soon... Without anything more going wrong.

~Song

[Judy]

Damn, Karen, that's just awful! The universe is asking a bit much of your sister and niece, I think. Tell them I'm thinking of them...and you, too, because I'm sure you feel quite helpless.
Judy

[Eva]

They are indeed very unlucky... :(

Eva

[KarenSews2]

for your concern. I am feeling rather helpless.

Agnes, I don't know what can be done at this time. I think the insurance people will go there tomorrow and decisions can be made from there. I'm kind of hoping they total the house, because it is not a good neighborhood and they need to get out of there. I'm just thankful they weren't living there at the time, so most of their clothing and really important things are at my folks' house.

I'll keep you posted.

[Agnes]

Please do, Karen, and don't hesitate to ask for help if needed. It's horrible to see your loved ones suffering, I wish you, your sister and niece strength and I send you love and light.

[lucille]

Some people really do have it loaded on them. Hopefully the insurance company will write off the house, and they can start again. This little girl also has copped a lot in her young life.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Burns-survivor-Sophie-Delezio-hit-by-car/2006/05/05/1146335916542.html

[KarenSews2]

Yesterday I found out more about the damages. Sylvia has to make a list of items she knows are missing or destroyed and the insurance will make final decisions after that. Both of their beds were destroyed, and the new bathroom was completely "melted away," as my mother put it. They haven't found out if any of the kitchen appliances can be salvaged. Thankfully, their clothes and personal items weren't in the house.

It's really sad about the man who lives next door, where the fire started. He is staying with his daughter on the other side of his house. Her home had only exterior damage. Yesterday, he would get a cup of coffee, then go sit on his front porch. Kristina has always been attached to this man, and has always called him "Honey."

[david uk]

Karen let's hope the insurance company stump up all the necessary money. Your sister's family have had it bso very tough, let's hope things take an upward turn for them now :)

[RedjackRyan]

Anything i can do Karen, just say the word. Love and well wishes to you and your family. Hopefully things will start looking up for them.

[KarenSews2]

When I said something to my mom about Sylvia and Kristina getting out of that neighborhood if the house is totaled, she said any new house would have to be built on that site.

Thanks, David and RJ.