As my brother Chris said best, “There’s houses and then there’s homes. And this was a home.” Built 47 years ago by my fathers own two hands leading the way, and updated and expanded more times than we can count, every inch of their home was crafted with love. Rooms dedicated to their passions – Mom’s from sewing beautiful clothes to scrapbooking and in most recent years creating some of the most creative and detailed quilts you’ll ever see - and to Dad’s house plants thriving in the original greenhouse that has expanded to every corner of many rooms, stained glass and unique creations, collections, and sports awards and running medals lining the walls – this is a home that can never be replaced. The memories of raising 4 children, plus welcoming 10 grandchildren and our very large extended family are something we will all always hold on too. Luckily, most cherished scrapbooks telling the stories of all of our lives were saved from the devastating fire (plus one sewing machine!), but almost everything else inside the house has been lost. The detached garage and greenhouse were spared, and the treasured garden and park area still remain, giving Don and Karen some hope to hold onto as they navigate the months ahead on how to move forward. If you feel inclined to help them rebuild their home and lives, you can help in the following ways: PREFERRED OPTIONS: (We would love to know your connection to the family when you donate) 1) DONATE via Venmo - @Karen-Behrens-7 2) CHECKS can be mailed to Karen Behrens, PO Box 143, Harmon, IL 61042 3) GIFT CARDS • Walmart • Menards • Caseys • Amazon • Hobby Lobby • Sullivan’s Foods of Princeton, IL • Kroger • Restaurants (local favorites include Candlelight, Chipotle, Culvers, Dairy Queen) • For Sewing/Quilting (JoAnns, Missouri Star Quilt, Off the Rails Quilting)