Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I found this to be an inspiring story... just in time for Thanksgiving. The family whose rented house was burned by the lava flow in Pahoa is preparing for the holiday with friends and families, and focused on their blessings rather than their losses.
Quote:
Pahoa residents plan to build anew after lava claimed their rental home
A family whose life turned upside down when lava from the Kilauea Volcano set fire to their home of seven years said despite the recent challenges, they'll be counting their blessings this Thanksgiving.
"We're gathering with friends and family and having a potluck and we will be so thankful for the family here, our cousins and everybody in Kalapana helping us out. Be thankful for another day," said Margaret Byrd, whose family was renting the home on Apaa Street that was burnt down from the lava flow on Nov 10.
The 54-year-old Hawaii island resident said the situation has uprooted her and her husband, two daughters, two granddaughters, along with nine cattle, two dozen birds, 40 rabbits and multiple goats. Unfortunately, some of the animals didn't survive the stress of the move and Tropical Storm Iselle that hit the island in August. "The animals took it hard," she said. "We lost five goats, three rabbits, half-a-dozen of the birds between the hurricane and the lava."
The family moved to safety on Oct. 1, and is currently staying on a relative's ranch in Kalapana, an area outside of Pahoa. The children are living in a tent on the property and the move has more than doubled her husband's commute to work each day, Byrd said.
......
Currently, the family is taking it one day at a time, and Byrd hopes her family can build a house on her cousin's property within the next year or so.
"Or when we can afford it," she said.
But despite all the challenges in recent weeks, Byrd said she knows that her and her family will survive.
"We have the pioneer spirit, you either live or you die, but you got to make the choice. I always tell my kids you either give up or you buy a bigger shovel and a higher pair of boots," she said.
.....
What a wonderful story and an inspiration! Life is precious and those we share it with. Possession are just that, and tho some hold value and memories. They can not replace the love from our family. A home is not a home, if you have no one to share it with. Sounds like this women is not only wise, but wealthy in love.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
