We lost everything in a fire 9 years ago. My husband and I and 6 kids were so overwhelmed with dealing with reporters, insurance agent and adjuster, going thru donations...most of which were the wrong sizes or stained or missing buttons, etc. People meant well and we totally appreciated everything. But, we had to rent a storage unit (unheated in freezing weather) and spent the first week, 10 to 12 hours a day, going thru box after box. I finally broke down crying because I'd been wearing the same bra and underwear all week (washed in the tub and hung every night ;) ) So, I would have appreciated a gift certificate or cash and a good friend to force me to go shopping and to lunch to chill out, a little sense of normalcy. Or, just ask her what she really needs the most right now.
We had apartment fire while the kids were small, we were out shopping for school supplies and came home to them putting out fire. Hub was over seas at the time, a few of the neighbors took care of the kids while I delt with the filling of forms for that night. Being mil, we were able to get a room at lodging on base for a few weeks but, that was still a pain, nice to have exchange and commissary across the street though. I would suggest like many have, GENERAL gift card "online one if she has access" or to a general goods store near her.. It was all the little personal care items that I was constantly doing without for those weeks (including medications) for myself more than the kids. Daughter got a lil stuffed bunny from neighbor that night, she held onto it for years after, her favorite stuff animal. heh. If she does speak to you listen to her words, can figure out what else she lost, we lose many items but, until you lose them all, dont realize how many you can actually do without and the few that you actually MISS having. lol.
We lost everything in a fire 9 years ago. My husband and I and 6 kids were so overwhelmed with dealing with reporters, insurance agent and adjuster, going thru donations...most of which were the wrong sizes or stained or missing buttons, etc. People meant well and we totally appreciated everything. But, we had to rent a storage unit (unheated in freezing weather) and spent the first week, 10 to 12 hours a day, going thru box after box. I finally broke down crying because I'd been wearing the same bra and underwear all week (washed in the tub and hung every night ;) ) So, I would have appreciated a gift certificate or cash and a good friend to force me to go shopping and to lunch to chill out, a little sense of normalcy. Or, just ask her what she really needs the most right now.
We had apartment fire while the kids were small, we were out shopping for school supplies and came home to them putting out fire. Hub was over seas at the time, a few of the neighbors took care of the kids while I delt with the filling of forms for that night. Being mil, we were able to get a room at lodging on base for a few weeks but, that was still a pain, nice to have exchange and commissary across the street though. I would suggest like many have, GENERAL gift card "online one if she has access" or to a general goods store near her.. It was all the little personal care items that I was constantly doing without for those weeks (including medications) for myself more than the kids. Daughter got a lil stuffed bunny from neighbor that night, she held onto it for years after, her favorite stuff animal. heh. If she does speak to you listen to her words, can figure out what else she lost, we lose many items but, until you lose them all, dont realize how many you can actually do without and the few that you actually MISS having. lol.
Geez I'm so sorry that happened. Sounds like a nightmare.