Columnist gives thanks after house fire

Editor's Note: The house of columnist Trudy Fredrickson and her husband Delvin was destroyed last week by a chimney fire. See the story here for more details.

Once again, I have to thank God for this wonderful place we live in and the awesome folks who live and love here. All I can say is thank you everyone who has offered us everything you can imagine after our house burned last Thursday. While some of you were reading my column about the Olson Family fire, my house was in flames and was a total loss. No one was hurt and all our animals were safe. In fact, my sister’s cat, Spirit, meowed and let me know something was wrong, so she will probably eat steak for the rest of her life.

Just after I dialed 911, a young man, Jason Ginn, and his girlfriend, Lily arrived. He said “Ma'am, my mom’s house burned down last week, you might have 15 minutes to get things out. What do you want me to take out first?” I asked him to get my grandfather clock, which my husband had made for me. It was quite large with beveled glass and he managed to get it without even breaking the glass. After that he scurried around and got out lots of files for the GRHED and pictures, etc.

I just want to say, God bless you kids for showing up when you did. If there is ever anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. Sometimes our young folks aren’t appreciated very much, but this situation has made me a believer that there is definitely a lot of good kids with huge hearts and they are willing to help even if it puts them in danger.

A huge thank you also goes out to The Wahkiakum County Eagle for your support and caring, especially to Stevan Morgain for being here all afternoon taking photos and just being a familiar face.

Debbie Olson came by on Saturday to wish us well, even in her own time of need. Bless you, and please let us know how we can help you and your family.

Please don’t forget the auction to help out the Olson family which will be held on August 14 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Rosburg Hall. Both a silent auction and a live auction run by volunteer Dewey Adair will be held that evening. Many great items will be auctioned including a boat, motor and trailer.

Again, thank you to everyone for your help, your offers and your prayers. We certainly appreciate living in this wonderful place.