June 17, 2016 is a date that will be etched in Rhoda Kelley’s mind forever. Rhoda was kneeling at her bedside praying as she does every night before going to bed, when something caught her attention in the next room-flames. One entire wall in her living room was already engulfed in fire, and it was spreading fast. Rhoda sprang into action, yelling for her daughter Trisha and a friend who was visiting to get out of the house. Within minutes the house was consumed and Rhoda watched helplessly as the fire department tried to save what they could of her home of 12 years.
The next few days, friends and family sorted through the ruble looking for anything with sentimental value. Picture albums began to surface from back bedroom closets that were still intact, pictures that couldn’t be replaced. Rhoda’s husband Ricky passed away in a logging accident when her children were small; those photos and their memories are all that remained for the family, and they were so grateful as the items were salvaged. Rhoda also found a guardian angel pin, and a stuffed frog that were given to her by her dad.
“Finding a few things from daddy made me smile,” Kelley said. We chatted for a few moments about how precious a memory can be, especially in a time of loss.
Several people went to social media expressing the needs of the Kelley family who unfortunately didn’t have home owner’s insurance, but I don’t think anyone was expecting the outpouring of love that the community immediately began to show. People began dropping off clothing, and monetary donations within hours of the fire. The support didn’t stop there though. Estill County continued to show their love as volunteers began working hours each day tearing down what remained of the house by hand. A job that should have taken a bull dozier was done in love by a handful of people with determined minds.
The Red Cross helped the family with gift cards, The Red Lick Valley Festival had a two-night singing and love offerings were taken up both nights for the family. O’Reilly donated supplies for a benefit carwash, and Advanced Auto allowed the family to use their lot and water. Fundraisers were also done through Pizza Hut and Go Fund Me. The Kelley’s home church 52 Full Gospel gave a love offering of almost $1,000 and several other local churches sent monetary donations. $5, $10, $500, donations just kept coming, and before anyone even realized what was happening Rhoda was able to purchase a used single wide trailer.
On Saturday, July 23, barely over a month after losing her home Rhoda watched as her new home was pulled into her driveway.
“I was overwhelmed,” she said. “Happy, sad, excited, but overall, so thankful. Thankful to have a roof over my head again, thankful that with the love and support that was shown I was able to purchase it straight out and not have to go to a bank or something.”
“None of this would have been possible without God and the people who have helped us. I pray that God will bless each and every one of them in return.”
Rhoda and her children hope to be living in their new home by the end of the month. There are a few more things that need to be done first. The electric pole is scheduled to be set Tuesday, the 26, and the water lines and septic will have to be rerouted.
“It will feel good to go to bed in my own home again,” Rhoda told me. Kelley also encourages everyone to take out homeowner’s insurance. “You never know when it could be you who will need it.”
But through all of this Rhoda says she has a new found respect for others. “You really find out how good hearted people can be when a disaster hits your home. I am grateful for all the help we have received. God is good.”