Family says thank you after fire

To the editor:
On Wednesday, May 29, at around 9 p.m., my 2 children and I were just getting home from church, it was nice out, so I decided to stay outside with my kids so they could play. They went inside.
My son came out a few minutes later, and we were talking and a couple of minutes later, my daughter came running out screaming, "Mommy look!!"
I looked up and saw black smoke coming from the side of our mobile home that we were renting. I ran around the corner and saw flames shooting up the side.
My first thought was to get water. When I entered the house I realized the electricity had already been affected and I saw the smoke, so I ran back out and called 911 which according to my phone I called them at 9:11. I don't know who the lady was that I got, but she was so calm and patient with me while I was "freaking" out.
My children and our puppy went to the end of the lane like I told them so that I could get the car moved and so that they wouldn't be hurt. It seemed like an eternity, but I believe the firefighters were there at 9:25.
I called family members and friends all the while watching it burn, and holding my children, and praying to God not to let it all burn.  I remember a guy from down the road with last name of Carpenter coming and making sure we were OK, because his friend from the Salamonie Fire Department asked him to come make sure we were all OK, and he also moved my car again to get it away from the power line above.
About that time I saw my yard fill with racing trucks and cars. The firemen got busy fighting the fire which they contained the fire and water damage just to our room, but we had heavy smoke damage throughout.
Even though it was a total loss, we were able to save most pictures because they did such an awesome job and because of God. I say all that, and leave so much out, to say, that I am so thankful. First, to God, without him my children or my husband and I could have died, or we could have lost it all. Second, to the Portland, Salamonie, Redkey, and Ward Township fire departments for their professionalism and quickness.  Something that Fire Chief Aker said to us when we thanked him and a few other men was "No problem, It's our calling".
He could have said it was their job, but he said it was their calling and I have not forgotten that nor will I ever. Mike Wetzel was so kind as well keeping us informed of what they were doing.  
Not to leave out Chris and Preston Bemis, and the following families and friends Burton/Foudray, Coats, Eads, Morrison, Elliott, Haffner, Sommer, Twigg and Anderson. Steve Arnold, our insurance agent. And to our co-workers and bosses for their understanding and support. And to the schools for letting the fire departments come in and teach children about fire safety, because my daughter knew when she saw the smoke to get out. Our list is endless.
Thank you to all that we have forgotten!!
Thomas, Missy, Gretchen, and Griffin Elliott
Portland[[In-content Ad]]