A Message From Dave Carpenter

August 1st, 2011

To the many wonderful people who have blessed us:

I wish I had the words to express how I feel about all of you and the many heartfelt things you have done for my family. This experience has changed us all in so many ways, and God has taken this opportunity to teach me some things I should have already learned in my 49 years. I have learned that sometimes I have to swallow my pride and allow the people who care for me to help however they can. I have learned that the things I value most in life ( family, friends, and people ) are all that really matters. I have learned that no matter how worthless a fire can make you feel, there are always good people out there who can and will show you that you are not worthless. But most of all I have learned that the relationships we build with those same people can overcome any loss, and it’s the faith we have in each other that will get you through anything.

We lost everything in this fire, but we have gained so much more than we lost. We have gained so much because of all of you, and we will never forget what you have all done for a family that some of you have never met. We all watch the news every day and see the things that are going on in our world, and we tend to get a cynical view of the people around us, and then something happens to shatter your world and you get to see how many selfless and giving people there are that still care about a fellow human being. To have so many people reach out to you and your family makes your heart swell with pride, and is a blessing that carries more value than anything you could ever lose in a fire.

As I have spent this week picking through the rubble of a home that my wife and I have spent 31 years building, I keep telling my grandchildren “ it’s the small victories that count ”. They think I’m talking about the treasure hunt they are on, but I know it’s those small blessings that we take for granted every day that will help us the most. Those blessings include my wife, my children, my grandchildren, and now all of you.

Please know that my family is doing well, and thanks to those around us we will get through this. I hope and pray that none of you ever have to experience this sort of thing, but if you do please believe that you have a lifelong friend who will do whatever he can to pick you up and help you get through it.

Thanks again for everything,

Dave Carpenter

What Happened??

July 24th, 2011

The morning of July 24th, 2011, Fire Captain David Carpenter was driving home from a 24-hour shift at the DFW International Airport Fire Department and found his home fully involved in flame.  It was not long before the entire structure and its contents completely burned to the ground.

Living in the home were David, his wife, his daughter, his one-year old baby granddaughter, and his grandson.  Everything in the house as well as two (out of three) vehicles were destroyed.  That means clothes, books, computers, televisions, furniture, appliances, collectibles, and, of course, the entire house itself.

So, together, we can help put the Carpenter family back on the map!  Be as generous as you can be, and make sure to share this on Facebook and with all of your friends!

Thanks for everything.