Richard, Tracy, and Melody are “beyond thankful” for all the help but remain without a home
By Andrew Harris,
If you’ve ever lost your home to fire then you know. It’s a feeling of helplessness and shock.
Because it happens so unexpectedly, and so fast, you can’t prepare for the loss and what comes after. For the Ahrens Family, everything was gone in under an hour. Richard and Tracy walked away with the clothes on their back, 10 year old Melody lost everything except what she took to school. The fire was January 25th, only eight days ago.
The story repeats itself over and over in Wellsville- When one family suffers a loss, many families work together to cover that loss. Schools and civic groups step up, strangers immediately ask how they can help, and follow through.
Since the fire the Ahrens family rallied and started doing what was needed. Tracy explained with a crack in her voice:
“My sister-in-law Elizabeth Ahrens and family have taken us in and put a roof over our heads. My nephews Zyaire and Pride Brantley have been wonderful, helping us raise money and start over from scratch,” Tracy said.
What worried Tracy and most people was how this would impact Melody, only ten years old and in fifth grade. What surprised her was how resilient her daughter is and how much love she would receive at school.
“Mrs. Brockway has made her feel so special and her classmates caring for her turned a tragedy into a blessing. Where I worried that she would be depressed or insecure, she’s been lifted up and given confidence that people have her back. To see that happen has just blown me away and we are so grateful.”
Many have reached out to see what else the family needs. Tracy said that the community provided much of what was needed last Saturday at a drop-off event but a few items are still on the list:
Dressers, living room furniture, adult boots, window curtains, a vacuum, dog food, dog bed, and basic kitchen tools like an air fryer or toaster.
The family has plenty of hygiene/toiletries/kitchen utensils, and are all set with beds.
Still unknown is where the family will make a home again. They are searching for a two bedroom home that is dog friendly to rent. Tracy said that after losing two dogs in the fire, they could never part with the survivor.
Tracy said that they would be grateful to anyone who was willing to contact her to make arrangements for pickup or drop offs. She would ask that you only TEXT her and she will get back in touch as soon as possible. 585 596 9872
