On Tuesday March 5th the Oberg house caught on fire. It started in the kitchen and smoke spread throughout their home. Jack Oberg, their dog of 14 years did not survive. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Jack you know he was the best dog ever and the answer to “who’s a good boy”. Among losing their first fur baby they also lost all possessions in the home. All of Aria and Isabelle’s books, toys, and irreplaceable items they have had since infants are now gone. There are some photographs that after being professionally cleaned can maybe be saved. With fires and smoke damage you can’t risk keeping objects that can jeopardize the health and safety of your children. They are now displaced from their home and staying with our mom for the meantime until a more permanent situation can be worked out. The estimated time could be 6-8 months until they can go home again, so hopefully by the fall.

As I type this I’m trying to remain calm. The dust has settled a bit and the shock that got us through the first day is wearing off. I find myself randomly crying, having nightmares waking up with overwhelming depression.

All I can think is how much both Jon and Valerie have done for me and others. I’m sure Jon has helped you in one way or another weather it’s fixing your car, a home repair or random favor you needed. Valerie is a true hero - teaching 3rd grade, raising two amazing girls and lending out her husband when people need him! They help others always and ask for nothing in return. My sister got me through the roughest parts of my life when I never thought it would get better - she was always there without hesitation. And now she is devastated and all I want to do is help in any way I can.

Nothing can replace Jack or Sentimental items but we can help in other ways. I ask that you donate to lift the financial burden, it’s one less thing to worry about during this horrible time. The money raised will go towards toys, books, clothes, food and other things that are needed. I can’t express to you how overwhelming this experience has been for my sister and our family. It’s one thing to see it on the news or hear that it happened but when it’s in front of you and you’re in it - that is entirely different. I hope you all can empathize and find it in your heart to donate. If you can think of other ways to help, maybe doing something fun or helping in some other way please let me know! I want the Oberg's to also have some normalcy during this horrible time. We are taking this one day at a time - it’s all we can do at this point.