The Best of Ellijay, Blue Ridge & Jasper Funpaper issue 7 | Page 40

T he Pryer family had lived in their beautiful rental home in the country for five years. It was filled with treasured memories and a warm family life. They were getting ready for Christmas and many presents were already bought and wrapped. On Dec 1, 2013, tragedy struck. They awoke to their house on fire. Everyone in the family got out safely except there much loved dog Cece. She perished in the fire, and so did ALL the family’s possessions. They lost everything but the clothes on their back and each other. The Red Cross put them up in the Stratford Inn for a couple nights, but they had no where else to go, and all the things we take for granted now had to be replaced. Imagine trying to get a new ID when you have nothing to prove who you are. Imagine all your pictures and kid’s beloved stuffed animals GONE! The mom, Sandra Pryer posted a note with a couple pictures of her now burnt down home on Facebook to tell all her friends what had happened, and that note spread all over the North Georgia Community. Within one day, people began dropping clothes off for them. Soon some more days at the hotel was paid for by caring strangers. Then they were taken to Walmart shopping to get all their basic need items replaced. Toys arrived for the kids. The wonderful place where we live took good care of the Pryor family, and within a few weeks they were in a new rental home, with all the basics and most furniture provided. There was even a decorated Christmas tree with wrapped presents underneath. While this certainly was a devastating event to live through, the Pryors are now coming out the other side and are very grateful for all the love they were given. Sandra says on her Facebook page- As you all know, we had a house fire and lost all we had. Yesterday morning we got a house. As we walked into this house, we was amazed and all I could do was cry. It was filled with furniture and beautifully decorated. I can’t thank you ALL for what you have done for my family. I wasn’t a big believer on miracles and stuff but since the fire, I am and I know that God does work threw people in time. My life has changed a lot since the fire (for the better) and I know God has a plan for us. I want to thank every one in these 2 groups for what all you all have done, the work, the food(was great btw) . Pryor Family (OFFICIAL PAGE) and also Pryor Family Miracle page. I never would have thought people would or could care so much for strangers. I don’t know how we can every thank you all enough for what you all have done. There are so many people that have helped us I can’t post them all so I just thank YOU ALL and GOD BLESS YOU ALL. Mrs Pryor sends me a note to add some thanks- We would like to thank Gilmer Fire dept for their services, the Red Cross, Stratford Inn, Pizza King, The Budget Inn, Lock guys and everyone in the Gilmer County community that helped us during our struggle. Now this is a story with a happy ending. Don’t you love those? 40 How come we choose from just two people to run for president ...and 50 for Miss America