Jul 3, 2008 7:33 pm US/Eastern
50 Years, 50 Families: Strauss Family
NEW ALEXANDRIA (KDKA) ―
The Strauss family was lucky to make it out of their burning Westmoreland County home before everything went up in flames two months ago.
Now, they have to start over with little to call their own, but they are getting some help as this week's recipient of the 50 Years, 50 Families program.
Shelly Strauss and her son, Nathan, say they are in disbelief at how their lives changed when fire destroyed their New Alexandria home in the overnight hours of April 29th.
"It's still just very surreal," says Shelly. "I don't think it's actually sunk in yet, that everything is actually gone."
They, two other people, and eight cats, were sleeping when the fire started. The people made it out alive, but the cats did not. They're remembered in tattoo that Nathan got after the fire.
"We would always make jokes about how we had too many cats," says Nathan. "I would give anything to have them back."
Shelly says she was prepared for a fire and had her papers in a trunk that was able to be saved. Her photo albums were also saved because they were in the process of moving. But that's all they have left.
"I also learned not to take anything for granted," she said. "I told my friends, I hope they never have to feel that feeling of standing out in their driveway watching everything they ever had for the past 14 years of life burn. There's nothing you can do about it. It's the worst feeling of helplessness."
Now, the Strauss's have help starting over with $3,000 in furniture from Roomful Express through the 50 Years, 50 Families program.
"This is wonderful. This will really help," she said. "I'm overwhelmed. Thank you so much."
Shelly and Nathan say the new furniture will really help them begin again in the modular home they will put on the site that's now bare.
The fire department said the fire was an accident, and was caused by smoking. But the insurance company ruled it undetermined.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
