I know it too

There was a house fire less than two blocks away in my neighborhood today. What's a person supposed to say when that happens? "I'm sorry for your loss" "We'll pray for you" "What can we do to help?" And those are things I could genuinely say. But it doesn't feel like enough. The worst part is I know how they feel. My family moved seven years ago because of a house fire. I didn't have shoes for a day because I ran out screaming fire, call 911, the house is on fire. Flames threatening to envelop the whole house, one room at a time. You think it's bad while the fire is raging. It's worse when you try to salvage what you have from the remains. A collection of smoky, damp toys, books, appliances; never to be used again. The ceiling fans are grayer than they ever could be from dust, and there's a wavy shadow that sits where the walls meet the floor in the room, in every room. I don't even know if that was from the fire or the high pressure water sprayed to quench the fire. Over time you'll be able to move on, I promise.  I wish I could convey the feelings I had to them. It's so hard for me to talk to people I don't really know. If you ever read this, neighbors, know that I'm praying every day for your safety and future.