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| Thank God for the Red Cross |
Many of you know my story, know the road I have been on the last three years in an effort to rebuild my life. It’s been putting one foot in front of the other every single day, good days and bad. I’ve been able to grow and learn so much about myself. In the process I found hope and faith and learned to trust God and the Universe to deliver me out of difficult situations and to lead me in the direction that is the vision for my life.
However, this is a particularly scary time for me and my children. As I write this, I sit in a little dive roadside motel, that in all honesty I could not be more grateful for. I don’t mind its smell of cigarette smoke; it’s dried-out and broken pool outside the front door. It’s bad location or general rift-raft. No I’m grateful like never before that myself and my children are safe, and that they are sleeping soundly. Never before has the term “grateful for a roof over my head” meant so much. I’m forever indebted to the American Red Cross for providing us this refuge for the next few days as we try to decide what our next move can be.
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| Three fire engines responded |
Yesterday the in-home sprinkler system went off in my daughter’s room, instantly flooding all three levels of the home that we currently rent. By the time the fire department showed up with two engines and about a dozen firefighters, the damage was done. There was standing water on the 2nd floor (main living area), water pouring through any available outlet in the ceiling like an open faucet. Three inches of water covered the kitchen floor, three drains poured on our couch and dining room table, and slowly the destruction made its way to the bottom level (garage) where it settled.
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| Trying to turn off the sprinkler |
I looked around the house, firefighters in every room, and just put my hands to my face and cried. When the Red Cross disaster relief workers came, and offered hugs I cried harder. When they offered stuffed animals for the kids, a room to stay in and a debit card, tears streamed down my face.
Sometimes life gets scary.
Sometimes mama doesn’t have all the answers. Doesn’t know what to do.
But we still have faith.
We can still believe everything will be alright.
Show Up
Good News Everything Happens for a Reason
Have Faith
Give me Bikram Yoga!
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| Standing water three stories down in a mater of minutes |
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| Almost immediately the house was torn apart to try and prevent additional water damage |
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| All of our stuff on the decks, soaking wet |
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| By the next morning, this was our house. Unlivable. |
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| Mira sitting on the bed her and I share in the Red Cross hotel |
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| Our new home. |
Sarah Centrella is the author of the book Hustle Believe Receive which teaches you how to apply the #HBRMethod to change your life and live your dream.
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Author | Life Coach | Motivational Speaker and single mama. I'm a chick on a mission to prove anything is possible for ANYONE. My story featured in the New York Times, Steve Harvey Show and NBC.
Wow Sarah that’s just awful to hear! You are one of the strongest woman I know (well I really don’t know you but feel like I do) please keep your chin up and if you need anything please let me know karma4u74@yahoo.com
Thank you so much, prayers are very appreciated 🙂
Anyone who reads this post…. If you are in the position to do so please give or volunteer to the American Red Cross, you never know when you might need them. thank you!
Thank you Sarah for sharing your story with us. As I sit at my desk, with tears streaming down my face, I know that I am in the right place. Making a difference in the lives of real people is what we are here to do. Doing the right thing for others becuase it’s the right thing to do. I am so sorry that you are going through this mess, but honored to be a part of the organization of humanitarians that are providing some positive in your life. ~ Nigel Holderby, American Red Cross
Nigel, thanks so much for your comment. The work you do with the Red Cross changes lives, makes a difference in ways bigger than you can possibly imagine. We are so grateful that you were there when we needed you, and hope that our story inspires people to act. Thank you 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story Sarah! It’s a tough road (trust me I know!) but keep your spirits up and keep moving forward! I lost everything in a fire a few months ago and was provided assistance from the Red Cross. That felt very strange to me because I am a Disaster Action Team volunteer with the Red Cross and ironically was on call that night and dispatched to the fire. I too am very grateful for the Red Cross! My experience has made me a stronger person and increased my desire to serve even more! Good Luck to you and your family as your rebuild! Stay positive!!! – Kathi McKinley, ARC volunteer
Thanks so much Kathi… it was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever been through (and I’ve been through a lot of crappy stuff!) But without the help of The Red Cross I cant even imagine how much harder it would have been. Thank God for people like you who are there when we need you!
Hi Sarah!
This is an incredible story. You are an inspiration to everyone who’s been through something life changing like this. I’m currently working with Uber Productions on behalf of the American Red Cross and we’re in the process of casting storytellers for an upcoming ARC project. Would you be interested in sharing your story and having the opportunity to participate? There is no pressure, as this is a very poignant story and I can only imagine how difficult it has been.
If you’re interested in learning more about the project, please email me at kirsten.stubbs@gmail.com. I really look forward to hearing from you. Thank you again for sharing!
Kirsten Stubbs
Hi Kirsten, thanks so much for reaching out! I just sent you an email. I’d love to share my story with anyone you think it would inspire 🙂
you support a family of four alone? Well, that can’t be easy
Women’s lives are hard, sometimes i think it is really unfair
Good luck in your work, Sarah, you are doing really well!
It’s a tough road (trust me I know!) but keep your spirits up and keep moving forward! come on!
Would you be interested in sharing your story and having the opportunity to participate?