Tragegy Strikes
I apologize for the lack of posts lately. Our lives have been rather turned upside down over the last few weeks. It all started with my parent’s house catching on fire on Dec 17th. They were displaced and were staying at my sisters. Then, on New Years Eve my dad had a massive heart attack and passed away. I don’t want to ask how much one family can take because I’m afraid I’ll spur something else to happen.
We are coping as best we can. It’s times like this that family becomes even more important. Our first priority now is making sure my mom is well taken care of. I’ve taken over the handling of the house fire so that my mom doesn’t have to worry about it. I’m learning a lot about insurance in a short period of time. My parents had a “replacement” policy so that everything that was in the garage/shop is covered and can be replaced. At this point, we probably won’t replace everything but will have to decide whether it would be better to replace some items and then sell them, or settle for the depreciated value that the insurance company offers. I’ll probably post more information about how that is going as it happens. If anyone knows a lot about the insurance process and can offer any tips for dealing with both the rebuilding of the burned structures, handling smoke damage, and putting together a claim for contents, please let me know.
At this point we are all just very grateful that we were blessed with such a wonderful father, husband and friend. I learned so much from him and he has helped define my approach to fatherhood in such a positive way. I miss him terribly already but I know that the more pain and sadness I feel, the stronger the love was between us.
21 Responses to “Tragegy Strikes”
Comment from David
Time January 5, 2007 at 11:26 am
Wow, so sorry for your loss. That is a lot for 1 family to handle at once. So sorry.
Comment from Dana
Time January 5, 2007 at 11:58 am
I am so sad to hear this news. I lost my Mom a while ago, so I can emphathize with your loss. After Mom died, we helped my Dad handle all the medical insurance issues. The only advice I can give is to keep a written record of any dealings with the insurance company being sure to write down dates of conversations, whom you spoke with, quotes for repair, etc. It’s good your Mom has you to help her right now.
Comment from Maura
Time January 5, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Sorry to hear of your losses over the holidays. My father died 3 years ago, and it is a truly life changing event. I hope you and your family are caring for each other during this hard time.
Comment from TBH
Time January 5, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Hazzard,
I hope you are able to spend a lot of time with your mom, and with your own kids, during this time. My thougths are with you.
Comment from Gerard
Time January 5, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Sorry to hear about the death of your father and the fire.
I wish success and strength in dealing with it.
Comment from Single Ma
Time January 5, 2007 at 2:29 pm
I can’t imagine what it feels like to lose a parent. It’s very hard to find the right words at a time like this, but my heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you all are able to find comfort in his spirit and loving memory.
Comment from S/100/30
Time January 5, 2007 at 4:04 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. You clearly had a great relationship and will cherish your memories together.
Comment from Stara
Time January 5, 2007 at 4:17 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and you family during this difficult time. When my father passed away, also from a heart attack, our main problem was finding out about the different accounts that he had open. I would advise you to see if you can find all the old and new)records he has so that you do not lose track of any accounts.
Comment from Personal Finance Blogger
Time January 6, 2007 at 4:21 am
My condolences.
Feels like I should say more but the words aren’t coming…
Take care of you and yours.
Comment from ricemutt
Time January 6, 2007 at 8:56 am
I’m sorry to hear about everything that’s happened. My best wishes to you and your family during this trying time.
Comment from people
Time January 6, 2007 at 1:47 pm
I am very sorry!!
Very first,you have to take care of you!! so,you can able to take care others…
Comment from Jeff & Heather
Time January 6, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Haz,
We can’t even begin to understand your loss in comparative terms in our lives (30 & 28 years of age), however it serves as a reminder that our time here is limited and we must treat it with responsibility and good stewardship practices (much in the way we need to treat money) to say as you have of your father that he was a blessing to you and your family. Our prayers go out to you and especially your mom has she not only has to deal with the damages to the house, but the loss of her best friend. Blog on my friend, blog on. As the Mrs. (Heather) tells me (Jeff), blogging is therapy and healing within words!
-Jeff & Heather
Comment from Jonathan
Time January 7, 2007 at 12:10 am
I am sorry for your loss. Don’t worry about the post (I know you aren’t). Be well and good luck.
Comment from JLP
Time January 8, 2007 at 10:50 am
Hazzard,
I’m very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Comment from LAMoneyGuy
Time January 8, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Hazzard,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Comment from NCN
Time January 8, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Hazzard,
It’s a blessing that your mom has someone she can turn to in a time like this. I hope that you can ‘feel’ the love from the folks who dig your blog. It sounds like you were super close to your Dad, and I know you’ll miss him. I just said a prayer for you, and I wish you much strength during this trying time.
NCN
Comment from John
Time January 8, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Hazzard,
I’m deeply sorry about your father passing. I lost my father several years back, I feel your sense of loss. My condolences…
Pingback from Everybody Loves Your Money – Living for today – Planning for Tomorrow » Mom Actually Gets to Retire!
Time September 16, 2009 at 7:34 am
[...] Actually Gets to Retire! By Hazzard It’s been a little over two and a half years since my parent’s house caught fire and my father passed away. In that time my mom has slowly gotten over the loss. I can’t remember if I ever mentioned when [...]
Comment from Boston Gal
Time January 5, 2007 at 10:34 am
Hazzard,
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is something I just can’t imagine. Having to then deal with the fire as well – that must be very stressful. Good luck with the upcoming insurance tangle and give your Mom an extra hug from me.