View from the Knoll, Part 1

Ten days ago our house caught fire. It amazes me how much has happened since then. The fire marshal determined that the cause of the fire was a failed ballast on an older overhead fluorescent light in the mud/laundry room. The device stopped working, heated up, caught fire and ignited the roof framing it was improperly attached too. This part of our house was an addition put on by the previous owner decades ago. The construction was shoddy. We were a few months away from remodeling it. No need for that now.

Tara, Sophia, Hollis and I are settling into our temporary home on College View Drive on the Warren Wilson College Campus. Our burned out 950 sq ft home has been replaced by a sprawling 3000 sq ft rancher. Seven year old Hollis the first day we moved in: “I get it. This is what people call a mansion. In mansions there are enough bathrooms for everyone to use one at the same time!” The view of the majestic Great Craggy Mountains is inspiring. It is exciting watching the weather role into the valley. We are happy to have a roof over our head only ½ mile from our land.

Insurance is not insurance. It is the illusion of insurance, for it is subject to interpretation. We are ‘working’ with our insurance company as they determine what we can salvage from the fire and, thus, what they will not cover. According to the company we can use three of the four walls by taking them back to the framing, and we can use the existing foundation since the fire was in the attic and did not get down into the basement. I hope they are right because when I step inside the remains- walls charred with smoke, roof burned away, floors soaked with fire retardant, insulation and ceiling, basement flooded, the back of the house in ashes- it is hard to imagine reusing anything. I just hope they are right. And, yes, I will get a second opinion.

While the saga shifts from immediate crisis to ongoing struggle, I continue to be uplifted by the incredible outpouring of love, compassion and support emanating from our community. As I turn over the charred coin I discover a shinny side. People. Many days I struggle to maintain hope for humanity. I have to reach down deep into my well to draw enough courage to confront the challenges facing the planet. And when asked what is wrong with the planet, I typically respond, “People.” I do not mean to be cynical, just honest.

But that is not the case today, nor has it been since I arrived at the scene of my house burning. My current perspective- that of a wounded man in need of help- has revived my faith in people. Everywhere I go I see someone who wants to give me a hug and tell me they are thinking of me and that they are there for my family and that they feel our pain and that they love me. What a beautiful thing to encounter. When we act from love, we are wonderful. I see and feel that truth more clearly than I ever have. And I can imagine how much more beautiful and just the world would be if people supported one another the way people are supporting Tara, Sophia, Hollis and me right now. I see the potential. It is real. Because, the only real insurance- the only safety net to catch us when we fall- is strong and committed community. We need each other. We really do.

So, thank you everyone. In the face of destruction, your love and support provides me and my family the strength we need to carry on. Keep it flowing. We need all we can get.

Love,

Stan

The Cross family lost most of their bikes and all their equipment. BioWheels is offering them a 22% discount on the replacement of all their bike stuff. (Their discount will be applied when the gift cards are cashed in.)

You can buy them a gift certificate either online at this link or in person at 81 Coxe Ave.

Just like you, we love this family.

To provide financial support:

Click here for directions to deliver a donation:


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Dear family, friends, and greater community,

As we grieve and begin the process of recovering from the destruction of our home, we are tremendously grateful for the love and support flowing our way. We are in awe. This website is the tool we will use to keep everyone informed of our day to day struggles, successes and needs. As time allows, we will respond personally to the bounty of emails and phone calls streaming in. Until then, please use this website to stay connected.

The Tragedy:
On Thursday February 11 our home caught fire sometime around 11:30am. No one was home- thankfully. The Riceville and Swannnaoa fire departments responded and worked hard to get the blaze under control. Our deepest thanks goes out to the men and women who put their lives on the line to save what they could of our home. Because of their efforts, our detached garage and little efficiency apartment were saved. But the home itself is a total loss.

The Aftermath:
We feel blessed that no one was hurt and that our children did not have to endure the trauma of fire escape. The four of us are going through waves of emotions; we cry, we laugh, we cry some more and we hug. Through this grieving process we are lifted by the love an support of all of you and the joy that four of us still have eachother.

We are currently living in a hotel and will soon move onto the Warren Wilson College campus- where Stan works- into a vacant staff house that the College is graciously allowing us to use. This house is a mile from our property and will serve as headquarters for our impending rebuilding effort.

What you can do:
Thank you all again for being there. We could not pull through without you. Currently, we have a few options for receiving your support that are linked from this site. All help is appreciated. We will set up a registry for specific items needed shortly. If you are one of the folks willing to donate furnishings, please stand by. We will the garage at the campus house unlocked so you can bring items there. We will post a map to the house here Monday morning.

Much love and thanks,
The Cross/Shannon Family