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They lost so many things forever and a good portion of those things were items Susan and I had collected over the years. Amanda lost most of her childhood possessions; her dolls, toys, things she collected. Some of the things for her wedding next month were lost as well.

Antique furniture from Susan's Mom and Grandmother also was lost to the fire.

Susan and Don lost all of their pets.

While we stood there and watched the house and memories go up in flames, a firefighter emerged from the front of the house carrying two bottles; one of wine and the other champagne. There had survived because they were in a refrigerator somewhere downstairs. Even though they were in this place, they are still burned and scotched.

The firefighter handed the bottles to Susan, after which she placed them on the grass in front of the house where they remained well after this image was made.

I volunteered to take some images for insurance purposes. When I was finished, I ran across the two bottles again, just lying there in the grass. I took this picture as a reminder for myself that in life, nothing is guaranteed.

After a few days of reflection, I wanted to share this with you all.

Count your blessings every day, because you never know what tomorrow brings.

Amazingly, Susan and Don have already begun the process of healing. Over the past few days they have recovered more items they thought were lost forever. They also found that hundreds of people love them dearly and were ready at the drop of a hat to help.

May we all be so fortunate when the time comes.

When their house is finally rebuilt and they have moved back in and settled down, I am going to give them a copy of this image to serve as a reminder of where they were and how come they have come.

Charles Dickens once wrote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." If ever that were true, that time is now.

Please continue to keep Susan and Don in your prayers.