A Christian Woman Thinks (And It's Dangerous)

Tribute To A Great Neighbor

Our old neighborhood - we've been moved some six months, but sometimes I still wonder what folks are up to. Last night I heard news I wish I didn't have to hear, first on the local television news, and then confirmed by talking with another neighbor. It seems the gentleman who lived next door to us had a fire in his home. It started when some items near his woodstove (they say papers and plastic, perhaps furniture that was too close) caught fire. The fire quickly spread, and unfortunately, our neighbor, an elderly man in his early 70s, did not make it out the door. They found him near the door after the fire had begun to fully consume the house. His wife was not at home.

You can read the local news if you want by clicking here: NEWS.

In the story, you'll see a quote by William. He was one of the buyers for our house. In the photos, our house was to the right of this neighbor's house.

Paul, the deceased neighbor, was a blessing for a neighbor. He was always friendly, never pried into your business (easy to do with houses so close together!) - but he would keep an eye out for your house, and tell you when he saw someone strange on your property, come help you mow part of your lawn if he could. He always waved when he went by... and on the Fourth of July he would crank up his vintage pickup and run it in the parade downtown.

Paul was a local crossing guard, and he was out there every day making the road safe for local school children. He was just a sweet person - and I am not doing him justice in this retelling of his life. He was someone who was there, all the time, probably someone you don't appreciate until you don't have them around any more.

My heart goes out to his widow and two adult children, and also to the people in our old neighborhood who saw the smoke, yelled for him to come out, but could not do anything to save him. They had talked about kicking the door in, but just at the time they decided to do something firefighters arrived and the flames suddenly engulfed the house. The fire help had arrived quickly, but when they opened the front door the fire backdrafted, injuring one of the firemen severely when a fireball came out the door. By that time we're told it was too late to save Paul, and our other neighbors felt very badly about this. But if they had kicked in the door they would have been burned severely.

Thanks for listening as I tell this story, it's bothered me all day. I drove by his house today, but there was no family there to talk to, and there were no neighbors to seek out. Just investigators. I drove on.

Meanwhile, at home my hubby took inventory of our smoke detectors and woodstove use. It makes you think, doesn't it?

Say a prayer for the neighborhood and the family, if you get a chance.

I'm so sorry

{ 10:49, Thursday, February 1, 2007 } { Posted by Darcy }

What a sad thing to happen to anyone let alone someone like this neighbor. You said you didn't think you were doing him justice in your description but I think I can imagine just the kind of man he was. I'm glad no one else that you knew was hurt.
I'll keep your friends in prayer.
Darcy

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{ 07:11, Friday, February 2, 2007 } { Posted by Anonymous }

Ooo Chris...I had no idea. My fil has the news on all morning long and that story was on. He knew the gentleman as well. So sad.... Praying, Jennifer

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{ 07:54, Friday, February 2, 2007 } { Posted by Andrea }

Awwwwww (((((((((((((((((((Chris))))))))))))))))))))))), I am so so sorry to hear this news. You have my deepest sympathy upon this loss. It's hard to move away from neighbors that we love... and then to hear that one has passed away in such a tragic way.... well..... it's just so hard. :```-( I will keep everyone involved in my prayers, including you, dear heart.

Love ya~ Andrea

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{ 09:18, Friday, February 2, 2007 } { Posted by BlueApple }

I'm so sorry - such a tragic thing to happen. Thank you for sharing his heart with us.

I'm so sorry

{ 12:00, Tuesday, February 6, 2007 } { Posted by ElCloud }

I'm so sorry for you, his widow, and his other friends. I will pray for them.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I just realized from your comment that I need to make note of the fact that it's Red Raspberry LEAF ... not the Raspberry Zinger style. It's the leaf that carries these health benefits. And it's not a fruity tasting tea. I'll be editing my post to clarify that.

Edited by ElCloud on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 12:02

Prayers.

{ 10:20, Tuesday, February 6, 2007 } { Posted by HeMarriedMedusa }

Dear Chris,
It's always harder when it's someone you know (and even more so when they are respected too). I'm glad you have a blog to share on. Prayers Always. Sincerely, Brenda

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{ 08:20, Wednesday, February 7, 2007 } { Posted by SongofJoy }

I'm so sorry. I had tears in my eyes just reading about it. Praying for his family.

Blessings,
Carol