The past few days, I got dressed and ate food and blow-dried my hair. I slept mostly without nightmares. In summary, we’re all doing much better after the fire and loss of our cabin 10 days ago. There has been such an out-pouring of love and support over the past week and a half and it has lifted us up. My mom noted, “everyone is doing their thing, whatever they can, to show they love you.” And it’s so true. We’ve received so many comments, emails and DMs from you. We’ve had so many flowers, plants, and gift boxes delivered. Meals and treats dropped off. Texts coming in from friends we’ve known since we were 12! Friends and family took our kids and some dropped off toys for them, which sincerely helped brighten their day (our younger girls don’t quite grasp what happened, but our oldest has struggled as a fire has been her worst nightmare for years.) My sister took over my email and sent notes to all of our sponsors that were lined up or provided product that was lost in the fire. Jordan, our nephew/videographer, put together this tribute video about the A-frame.
Note: The first few scenes are really raw and emotional. We didn’t know Jordan was filming and although it was hard to watch at first, I’m grateful we have this to remind us of what was, what happened, and how it felt because it really has allowed us to deeply feel how lucky we are. The clips of us working together on the cabin and spending time together there as a family–don’t. wait.–warm my broken heart. We have so many happy memories there (and thousands of photos!) that will live on and be cherished forever.
Understandably, the #1 question we’re getting right now is if we’re going to re-build. There’s a lot to figure out before we can decide that for certain, (multiple fire investigators and insurance adjustors are on the case and it will likely take months) but we’re working through all of that and are hopeful for the options we have ahead of us. We’ll definitely share as we know more and decisions are made.
While I don’t wish a tragedy like a house fire on anyone, and even though we lost our cabin completely, we’re still one of the lucky ones. Earlier this week, a Syrian family in Canada lost their home and all seven of their children in a fire. That possibility is the reason I haven’t been able to eat or sleep since our fire and it is their devastating reality. My mom’s words about others doing whatever they can to show love and support to us has already come full circle. We made a donation to the GoFundMe set up for them and it’s all I can do to pass it along to our community, you, who have mourned with us the past week and a half. If you have felt you wanted to do something for us during this difficult time, I encourage you to pay it forward to this family, whose pain I can’t imagine.
Dear Julia,
I pop in to your blog from time to time for inspiration. I love your color choices and decorating style! Today I thought I’d check out how the cabin was coming along and enjoy your beautiful second home vicariously. I’m sitting here laughing at myself for crying over a place I’ve never been and people I’ve never met. And then to have you pass along the gofundme page for the Syrian family in Nova Scotia… You are a good soul. Thank you for sharing such love and kindness. The world needs more good souls like you. You and your loved ones are in my prayers.
My heart aches for you, I cannot imagine losing our beloved cabin. The video is beautiful and I hope it will always bring you some comfort. As my mom always says, “this too shall soon pass.” I will miss the cabin updates, but I so look forward to whatever it is you have in store from here. Cause we all know it’ll be good ;) xoxo
I am so happy you are all alright. I’m sorry for the loss of your cabin. As a long time follower and reader of your blog, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for using your platform to bring support to the Barho family and the unimaginable tragedy they are enduring. Absolutely gut wrenching. There really are no words. Only love. Thank you, so much Chris and Julia. Love and light.
That Jordan, man, he sure knows how to produce a tearjerker! ???? It’s crazy how you feel so connected to someone you only know through the Internet. I thought about you guys constantly for the few days after you announced the fire on IG and was telling everyone I knew about how sad it was. (They were like, who are Chris and Julia? ???? They’re obviously not as cool as me.) I’m excited to see what’s next for you, because I know, whatever you decide to do, it will be great.
I’m so sorry for your loss! What a beautiful tribute to your cabin, I’m sure you will cherish the memories and all of the photos and videos. Your land is so stunning, truly idealic! I hope you are able to rebuild. We just purchased a lot at Bear lake in Idaho and have been working on our plans, I can’t imagine how I would feel to put all of our blood sweat and tears and lose it that way. My prayers will be with you that you will be comforted and led in the direction of where the lord wants you to be! Xo ~Jen