ANOTHER FIRE??

Ryan, Far left

On the way home from the beach, we got a scary phone call from Anthony's friend Ryan's neighbor. There were fire trucks at his house. At first we joked about all the pretty lights his mom had put up to decorate their beautiful house that sits on a corner lot. But, it quickly turned to a panic situation because Ryan was unable to get a hold of either if his parents. I drove 80MPH from Clearwater beach to Tampa. My mind was racing twice the speed of my car thinking about his Mom, Dad, visiting grandmother and pets. These people are like family to my son as well as fellow parishoners. I suggested to the kids to say a quick prayer. They are all very aware of what sort of devastation a fire can cause since their friend Tommy lost everythng to a house fire this summer, after an airplane crashed through their roof. When I turned the corner of Ryan's street (On 2 wheels of my SUV!) We saw that his dogs were ok, then his Mom and Dad. It had turned out to be an electrical fire in the attic! Just what everyone needs during the busy holiday season! Luckily Maria, Ryan's Mom was home.

I was so proud of the boys...I always deep down question how much damage we might be doing by granting our kids with so many material things. I sometimes worry that they will not comprehend what is really important. But on this day, my worries were resolved. Every one of the boys questions of concern, were about the safety of Ryans family and animals. Not once was a material item, or a Christmas present mentioned. We as parents, had done our job. All of them have a heart filled with a respect for life. It's important to believe in the deep down good of our children...wholeheartedly.