As we view the reports of the terrible destruction in North Georgia and Tennessee, we are forced to recall our own tragedy when our Lake Burton home was destroyed in December of 2012.

We had owned this home at that time for 26 years. Our children had grown up spending their summers there. Many friends and members of our family had also spent many hours there through the years so that it had also become a part of their history, rich with sweet memories.

This time we escaped the fire. We are in the midst of rebuilding our home. The fires of the Oconee-Chattahoochee National Forest were well north of us, but close enough to remind us of our blessings.

“The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Praised be the name of the Lord!”