by Sarah Darling

Created on: July 17, 2008

Fire and my experience:

The year was 1978. I was just getting in from work. I could not wait to see my beautiful twins. I had a boy and a girl. They had been born in June. It as now the beginning of October. I was tired, but I knew I had a lot to do. The twins needed a bath, and although the baby sitter had taken good care of them I wanted some mommy time. I let her go, and proceeded to hug and kiss each one, before putting on the tea kettle. I was alone, as my other half was not in the picture any longer. We lived in an apartment on the south side of Chicago. The weather could get nasty in a hurry in the windy city. The neighborhood was considered reasonably safe. It was a collection of ethnic groups. I managed to get along pretty well with most folks. I tended to mind my own business and I was treated with respect.

I knew there were a lot of gangs in the city, but that did not bother me to much I had little time to worry about such things. I had two gorgeous babies to take care of, a job and rent to pay. This night the cold front had rushed in across the great lakes, and snow was promised. I was in for the night. My neighbor Mrs. Woods, Sandy to everyone, came down to see me, and inquire about my day. We were best friends. We had coffee, but she also had kids , five in all ,to look after, and so she left early.

As I prepared for bed, and checked on the little ones, I was thinking that perhaps tomorrow I would begin some Christmas shoping. It was my day off. I retired early, as I was tired. The twins were asleep. And would remain that way till about six. They were very good about sleeping through he night, for that I thanked God.
Natasha was curled up in her blanket, and Tim was in his crib sprawled out on his back, sleeping soundly. How I adored them. I guess like most moms I thought they were the most beautiful babies God ever made. I smiled as I made my way back to my kitchen. Only four months old, and all ready loved by all who saw them. I had a cup of tea and went to bed, it had been along day.

It must have been around three am, when I was awakened by pounding at my door. I was rather frightened, and being half asleep, did not know if I should answer. But then, a loud voice told me to please open up. I did , and was confronted by a man telling me to get out the building was on fire. I could not move for a second, however as I got a better grip on the circumstances, I could tell the hallway was indeed full of smoke. My first thought was oh dear God the

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