SEAGOVILLE, Texas — Life will test us unexpectedly.
Right now, Romona Thomas is dealing with one of the toughest battles she’s had to face. The mother of two stood outside her home of 21 years, now burned by an accidental fire.
“I know material things can be replaced but the memories, to see all that go up in flames…” said Thomas.
Seagoville Fire Department said the fire started around 11:30 a.m. last Friday. Thomas said she was working from home when the fire started. She said she walked into the kitchen and saw smoke bellowing from the garage.
Seagoville Fire said they’re still trying to determine the cause of the fire. Thomas and her fiancé were able to make it out of the home without getting injured.
“I'm just thankful, I’m grateful,” said Thomas. “It could've been worse,” Thomas said.
In the early 2000s, her younger brother died in a house fire. When she saw the flames on Friday, she immediately thought of him and rushed out of the home.
Thomas said her family lost everything in the fire. She said they’re staying with family, but her hope is to one day move back into the home.
Her family has created a GoFundMe to help them start over from scratch.
Thomas is also very involved with her church, Good Shephard Baptist which will hold a benefit to support her family on Sunday.
Thomas is overwhelmed with the support she’s received from community members. She said that’s who’s helping her get through this unexpected test.
“I was in the midst of the fire, but I got missed by the fire,” said Thomas.