First of all, everybody got out, thank god.
I'm looking for advice on how to help, or what obvious things I may be missing.
Last night, my uncle's home and art studio caught on fire and the gas tank lit up, causing the whole house to explode. My father was able to get my uncle out before the explosion, but there is literally nothing left. (This happened in Germany).
So while they are in the hospital being treated for smoke inhalation etc. I'm working on getting things like replacement passports back, getting them new phones and getting them some clothing etc.
My head is totally in logistical mode. So I need a bit of help in seeing what I can actually do to help in other ways.
I'm relieved that everybody is ok. But I know that losing absolutely everything is a huge blow. A lifetime of memories, photos, letters and history....all gone in minutes. My aunt recently and unexpectedly passed away as well, so the sentimental value of that place and what was lost is going to hit my uncle extra hard.
And he lost his entire life's work as an artist. Everything he spent his life creating. Everything he put him heart and soul into.
Stuff is stuff....but after losing his wife, and my grandma just having been taken off of life preserving measures (not related to the fire), that's a whole lot of loss in a very short period of time.
I would really appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on what I can do to help ease some suffering. I'm not able to go over there, but will do whatever I can from here.
What am I missing? What can be done to help in a time like this? How can I support them beyond making sure their physical needs are taken care of? Is there anything that you think would be comforting in this challenging time?
I'm looking for advice on how to help, or what obvious things I may be missing.
Last night, my uncle's home and art studio caught on fire and the gas tank lit up, causing the whole house to explode. My father was able to get my uncle out before the explosion, but there is literally nothing left. (This happened in Germany).
So while they are in the hospital being treated for smoke inhalation etc. I'm working on getting things like replacement passports back, getting them new phones and getting them some clothing etc.
My head is totally in logistical mode. So I need a bit of help in seeing what I can actually do to help in other ways.
I'm relieved that everybody is ok. But I know that losing absolutely everything is a huge blow. A lifetime of memories, photos, letters and history....all gone in minutes. My aunt recently and unexpectedly passed away as well, so the sentimental value of that place and what was lost is going to hit my uncle extra hard.
And he lost his entire life's work as an artist. Everything he spent his life creating. Everything he put him heart and soul into.
Stuff is stuff....but after losing his wife, and my grandma just having been taken off of life preserving measures (not related to the fire), that's a whole lot of loss in a very short period of time.
I would really appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on what I can do to help ease some suffering. I'm not able to go over there, but will do whatever I can from here.
What am I missing? What can be done to help in a time like this? How can I support them beyond making sure their physical needs are taken care of? Is there anything that you think would be comforting in this challenging time?






