So after enjoying getting to share the public launch of the new relationship between Rebecca and HGTV, in the late afternoon today I got the terrible, awful news that my dear friends Serge and Monica Bielanko’s house was ablaze.
Thank God, Serge, Monica, toddler Violet and sweet baby Henry all escaped the serious house fire, and their two dogs made it out okay as well.
As y’all know, the Bielankos and I are both parents to boys named Henry.
Okay, seriously.. How cute is Mr. Henry David Bielanko?
Very recently, the Bielankos made an incredibly brave leap, leaving familiar Utah and moving to a farmhouse in Pennsylvania so they could both spend more time with their children. Although the house was a rental, they loved it and had been working very hard to make it home.
The Bielankos’ house before today’s fire
I have spoken by phone with Monica tonight. As I said, everyone is safe, thank God, and for the moment, they are bunking with Serge’s family.
However, they are going to need help, and I know that many of you want to know HOW to help this wonderful family.
In addition to asking the Bielankos what their needs are – both immediate and longer term – I am coordinating with other bloggers to work together to help Serge and Monica in the most effective way.
Within the next 24 hours, I’ll be posting specific details for how folks can show support and assist the Bielanko family in getting back on their feet. So please check back here for information as soon as I have it.
Thanks, y’all. This situation is a good reminder to all of us to be grateful for all that we have as this new year gets underway.
- Katie
8 Responses to “And Then My Day Got Worse …”
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Sorry to hear that. House fires are traumatic and frightening even if everyone is OK. We must all be very careful this time of year.
I am praying for them tonight. I know well how they are feeling right now.
I can’t believe this happened. I’ve been an avid reader of Monica’s blog since Violet was a baby. I love hers and Serge’s writing and after all these years of reading her blog I’ve come to really care about them. It’s horrible that they’re going through this especially after all the efforts and money they put into remodeling the house. I can’t imagine how they’re feeling tonight. They’re in my prayers and I’ll be coming back to see how I can help.
Thank you for your share, I will come back again!
Oh gosh, how frightening that must have been for them, so happy that they all got out alive, even the pets. Very kind of you and other bloggers to coordinate efforts to help them. I sure do hope they had renter’s insurance, but even if they did, it won’t replace the photos and other valuables they probably lost. so sad.
Wow – that’s 3 friends of yours now that have had their house go ablaze. Thank G-d they are okay, but still traumatic.
Oh goodness. My heart goes out to them. We lost most of our things – including baby photos of my husband and myself, and so much more, to an apartment fire last February. (There in Knoxville, actually – it was the so-called 2 alarm one that wiped out a whole section, just above the East Town Mall.) I’m still thinking of things that I lost in that fire. It gets a little bit easier to handle as time goes on, but I will be fully honest: there are certain things that my heart breaks a little over every single time.
I am SO happy to hear they made it out with their dogs – our cats weren’t so fortunate.
<3
I am so glad to hear that you met your goal! I would still love, love, love to help….let me know if there is any additional need. You raised a lot of money….but I’m sure rebuilding is going to be expensive.