January 12, 2010 – got up, took children to school around 8:15, picked up grandma, ran some errands – Mentioned to her that I had a doctor’s appointment at 1:30.
I was feeling very tired, exhausted, didn’t want to go. She insisted, dropped her off arrived back at home at 11:20. Instead of going straight to the shower, laid across my bed, started to fall asleep, boyfriend called. I was whining about being sleepy and not wanting to go to the doctor. Couldn’t find the number to doctor in cell phone. Too lazy to go in office and get it. Time was ticking, boyfriend told me to get my butt in the tub and go so I did. Left house at 1:15 only to find out my insurance was not active, very frustrated. Instead of going home, drove right past my street, headed back to grandma’s to wait for time to pick up children from school.
Got them at 4:00, on the way home, landlord calls (which lives in New York) asking was I at home and if I had a dog. I informed her I wasn’t at home and yes we had a dog, Hooch. She proceeded to tell me the house was on fire, for some reason I didn’t feel like it was true. Some misunderstanding maybe. I arrived to find a fire detective taking pictures, Water Company shutting water off. I was very confused. I had only been gone a couple of hours. I felt afraid, devastated, alone, pain stricken, worried and more exhausted than earlier. I almost went to sleep. I often think maybe if I was there, I could have prevented it from causing so much damage, or would I have even been able to wake up? I was so tired and exhausted from life’s everyday struggles. I wanted to just sleep and not deal with anything. Jesus had my back. He gave me person angels: Grandma and boyfriend. God my savior rescued me, got me away from the disaster, the devil tried to keep me there, hold me captive.
God not only pushed me forward, He kept me away so I didn’t have to witness the tragedy that was going on as I passed my street.
My testimony at church that Sunday (my first one) “What a friend I have in Jesus.” “God is good.” He saved my children from growing up without their mother, the dog was rescued.Thanks Skip! Material things destroyed, a beautiful home damaged, but repairable.
No fire is the same, they different every time. Some lose more than others, but we are never alone. “What a friend we have in Jesus” He didn’t just stop there, He put people in our lives (our paths) to help us get through. Red Cross was there immediately, what a blessing for someone to come to your rescue so quickly when you’re standing outside in the cold with no where to stay, no one to call. Thank God there was someone to help so quickly. My mother was trying to find me help. Called the Herald Bulletin, they gave me Skip’s number. When God says I will never leave or forsake you, He’s for real.
An amazing man with a heart of love, he gave me hope that we didn’t have to go through this alone. He checked on us every day, and got us in the Fire Rescue House.
Now I believe there are angels on earth. Fire Rescue House, so cozy, felt like home, you don’t want to leave! Most of all we felt safe and secure. That is all we needed right then. THANK YOU!!
Thank you Skip and Diane, Toby and Greg, Kris (the kids were so excited they met the mayor!) Operation Love, Texas Road House, Captain D’s, Chic Filet, Melanie (you’re awesome) and all others. God Bless.
My prayers go out to everyone reading this. You are not alone this too shall pass. You’re a survivor. What a friend we have in Jesus!
And now you have me,
Jennifer Jackson, Jevon, Jemaika
We love you and Bless you!