Update on Riley's Tragedy

This is all that remains of the Riley home in Lake Arrowhead. We cannot imagine what it was like for Dave's parents to come home to this vision. Our hearts truly ache for them. They were finally able to go up the mountain last week to look at the property. Dave, his bro's, & sister went out and were there to support them. It was an emotional experience, but he said his parent's were amazingly strong. Unfortunately, all that they were able to find, were some charred coins from a safe that had broken open. They are currently staying with Michael's mother in Oak Glen. We don't know what their final plans will be, but we are surely pulling that they will be able to move out here as planned, be by us kids, & start anew. Mom & Dad, we firmly believe the Lord has great blessings in store for you. Stay strong. We love you and we know things will get better. We also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all your prayers & concern for them (please continue to do so). And we express our deep appreciation to those who have donated to the fund. This has been a very stressful & complicated situation to sort out & they are surely in need. For those who are still interested in donating, here is the information:
It's called the Michael Riley Donation Account: You may make a deposit at any Zion’s Bank or send donation to: Zion’s Bank, 98 North Main, Brigham City, Utah, 84302. We appreciate any support you can provide.

We were just sent this photo. It confirms the reality of what's happened.

Tragedy has struck :(

The unthinkable has happened. Our dear parents in California have lost their beautiful home to wildfire this Monday, October 22nd. We all are in shock & feel we are living some sort of horrible nightmare. We mourn our parent's loss immensely, but at the same time are so very thankful to our Father in Heaven for graciously preserving their lives. We owe gratitude to the authorities as well for their alertness in activating evacuation of all living in their area in a timely fashion. Mom & Dad, we love you SOOOOO much!!! We are so glad you are okay. We will be here to support you in any way that we can. We can't tell you how sorry we are that this has happened to you. In this catastrophe, we recognize that all that we have been given is not really ours, but gifts from God. We pray the Lord will grant you peace & comfort, and strength in moving forward in your lives. To all others, we ask that you take this opportunity to recognize your many gifts from God this day & give Him your thanks for each of them.

After: Front of house on fire in Lake Arrowhead




Firefighters tried their hardest to fight the fires. Unfortunately, it was too late for Mom & Dad's home. This is all that was left :(


Brooke said...
So sad :(
Brooke
JUNE 26, 2008 10:44 AM

Anonymous said...
This is heartbreaking. Im so glad that they had you guys there with them. What a beautiful spot! Stephani
JUNE 26, 2008 1:57 PM

heddomarie said...
That just really tears at your heart strings. I just can't even imagine. sweet little Addie lending that moral support.
JUNE 28, 2008 7:22 PM

11 COMMENTS:

Ambie T. said...
Condolences and love from the Treto's. We hope recovery will be swift. Your message is perfect. Thank goodness they were evacuated in time.
OCTOBER 23, 2007 9:49 PM

Shultzybabe said...
How bitter-sweet!! So happy that your parents are safe! Heavenly Father was looking out for your family. ;)
OCTOBER 24, 2007 7:06 AM

Becky Maness said...
Dave and Becky,

We are glad your family is safe, but sad that their home was destroyed. Are they planning on staying in California or staring over some place else? Love, the maness family
OCTOBER 24, 2007 11:08 AM

Beeker said...
Thanks, all of you, for your support & concern. We're hoping this gives them the push to be able to come & live by us now.
OCTOBER 24, 2007 12:06 PM

mikensi.jung said...
my heart, thoughts, & prayers go out to your parents and family. your blog was written so well. much love from the gilberts.
OCTOBER 24, 2007 3:15 PM

Mylinda & Marshall said...
We are so sorry! This is happening for Marshall's parents - they were in Big Bear. They are serving a 3 year mission at Camp Hinkley as the caretakers and live up there in the house. They were evicted earlier this week also. Although, they don' thave a lot of info on what is burned. They don't know if their house is still standing...or what. All our love and sympathy at this time! Love, Marshall & Mylinda Mortensen
OCTOBER 25, 2007 9:26 PM

Anonymous said...
Barry & my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this tragic time. We've been watching some of the videos on TV, but never imagined it would hit this close to home. Please give Dave's folks our condolences, and we are so glad they made it out safely. Much Love ~ Barry & Mimi
OCTOBER 26, 2007 7:28 AM

Beeker said...
Thanks for your comments :) Mylinda, we sure hope all is well with your family. It is such a scary thing. We will, for sure, keep them in our prayers that nothing has been damaged & all is well.
Becky
OCTOBER 26, 2007 4:36 PM

Mylinda & Marshall said...
Becky,
Hello, this is Marshall. Mylinda accidentally typed Big Bear when it is actually Running Springs they are in. Just to clarify things. Small world huh? Thanks for your prayers on their behalf. Please keep us informed on how your parents are doing.
OCTOBER 26, 2007 8:29 PM

The Burns Family of Colorado said...
WOW! I am so sorry to hear about this, that is terrible. I remember beign at that house for you reception. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
OCTOBER 28, 2007 10:11 PM