Bonham -- In the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 15, local resident Adam Deas noted an alarming smell. Upon investigation, he immediately became aware of its growing intensity as he approached his eldest daughter’s room. He saw flames through the front window, lapping from the side of the house and quickly sent her running out the front door to safety.
Deas then raced to the other side of the house where his wife, infant son and two younger daughters slept. His screams of “FIRE” quickly woke his wife, Brooke, as he grabbed their son.
The girl’s room was already filling with smoke, impairing Brooke’s vision, but a mother's radar had both up and out of their beds and carried out of the house in seconds. All six were safe and sound outside and 911 had been called.
Bonham firefighters arrived at the home on Victory Street, where the first responders saw smoke and fire in the eaves of the single story house concentrated at its one side. It was quickly clear that the fire had already spread throughout the entire length of the home via the attic space. Thanks to the quick responses of the firefighters, the fire was brought under control - but damage to the family’s belongings from fire, smoke or water was catastrophic. Investigation officials believe this was an electrical fire that started in the attic near a can light just feet from the eldest daughter’s bedroom.
From a neighbor’s driveway, the family watched as Bonham Firefighters fought hard to save their home. Neighbors corralled and provided blankets, hot coffee and companionship to the emotional husband, wife and children. Police officers comforted the children and handed out "official" badges for them to proudly wear. Firefighters, after the flames were extinguished, heard of the girl's cries about their blankets (precious items each of them had cherished since birth) and the warriors became hunters...for anything fuzzy and pink. With mom's direction, the last two blankets were found making the hunt a complete success. A few more precious items of sentimental value were described to them and some were found as well. Our city's finest first responders aren't just dedicated to enforcing the law and fighting fires. They aren't just brave, either. This night proved they are tender care-givers as well.
But, should we ever forget who we are and what our community is all about, know that the family's worries, stress and sadness about having no home were quickly blurred with the joys of thanksgiving as help immediately began flooding their way.
Their church and its congregants, both friends and strangers, as well as local and out-of-town family have begun flooding them with things they are in need of: household items, clothing, furniture, monetary donations and, most of all, prayers.
If you would like to help the Deas Family, a dear friend has opened a GoFundMe page for monetary donations to help with any and all expenses the family will have as a result of this tragic event. Any contributions are most appreciated no matter the size. http://www.gofundme.com/deasfamily
In terms of THINGS, losing all of their belongings and being up-rooted was an unthinkable tragedy and emotions ran high with shock and grief; but this family knows they are richly blessed being safe and sound and relishing in each other. The Deas family consists of Adam (father), Brooke (Mother), Isabella (eldest daughter age 9), Leia (daughter age 4), Juliet (daughter age 2) and Elijah (son, age 1).
Today, they are happy to report that their ultimate prayer - that of finding a new rent home so they could start over together, under one roof, has been answered. The moving-in process has begun and slowly, they will be able to re-fill the new house with the necessities of life - all possible because of a beautiful, loving and generous community. And most of all, the children can get back to the security of the thing that makes children feel safe and settled: togetherness in a home.
The couple and their families extend and will continue to share their appreciation and thanks to all who have helped or will be helping. Family, friends, friends-of-friends and complete strangers - all joined together to assist their neighbors or loved ones in their time of need. It's a beautiful thing.
com•mu•ni•ty
noun
1. A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
2. A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.