people who lived through those many months in the same boat as we did, sharpened our faith and belief in a way that allowed us to hope again. That verse took the journey with us and here we are again, taking up new residence with renewed hope, all because people refused to let go of us. We’ve been asked on occasion about why we chose to rebuild on the same spot; why didn’t we just move somewhere else? That would have been easy, but this is where we belong! Now, two years after the flood and fire, I can honestly say it is the most normal we’ve felt since that weekend in May. My husband has returned to his previous job at NorthStar Studios in Nashville. He’s working in-state again, and this has given our family a greater sense of security and fulfillment. Our eldest daughter, a 2011 graduate of MTSU, has taken her photography/teaching degree global. Our son is finishing his last year as a cinematography/film student at UNC School of the Arts, and our youngest is now a sophomore and cheerleader for the FHS basketball team. Lastly, there is Oscar (our dog) who has developed a far greater following than even I have on Facebook. He serves his family and community proudly by keeping the neighborhood watch program going in full force, and, yes, he still torments the bird, or was it the other way around?
Prescott Place and “Oscar’s new home” on Burlington Pass. The many people we’ve met along these paths and in life have blessed our family tremendously. You know that motto, “Life is Good?” Well, I’m not saying that’s always the case, but with a support system of faith, family and friends, I’ve found anything is possible. Nancy O’Leary is a freelance writer and talented in the many areas of home design and organization. She and her husband, John, have lived in Fieldstone Farms for the past 8 years with their three children. Nancy is currently working on a faith based book which depicts their personal account of the 2010 Flood and the fire that destroyed their home.
I guess I should add myself. I have the opportunity to now serve a greater span of families in the Williamson County area. I was offered a job last year at Shipwrecked Playhouse. The owners, Erin and Chris Harris, are not only Fieldstone Farms residents, but also dear friends. As a child, I was taught that one needed to discover what they love to do and then figure out how to use that gift to help others. I love people. Simple as that. I have a greater compassion for people and life now more than ever. Life is something that should be enjoyed and there is no greater place to enjoy it than through the eyes of a child playing and exploring. Aside from all that, we are feeling quite at home these days. Back to barbeques and marshmallow roasts, exchanging tools and meals with neighbors. Our front door is as open as it ever was, and the paths we walk now have two destinations, “Oscar’s rental home” in
September 2012
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