I want to take this opportunity to thank my neighbors, some far, some near, for helping me and my wife as our house burst into flames on January 27th.

It happened so fast, that I am still dazed. At approximately 10:45 PM, I noticed some smoke on an outside security camera. I ran upstairs from the basement to see what was happening. As soon as I opened the door, I was engulfed in a ball of fire that exploded in my face. I reached for a fire extinguisher, but my hands were so badly burned I could not operate it.

I heard my wife call out, but I did not know where she was and the area was so dark and smoky, I could not navigate it. That is when two of my neighbors heard my loud cries and went into my garage and pulled my wife to safety. They saved her life. As of this writing (25 days), she is still in the hospital in critical but stable condition.

It happened so fast, with no warning, no sounds, not even our well placed smoke detectors warned us. As of this writing, there is no definite rationale for the fire.

My wife and I were put into an ambulance. The next thing I remember was waking up eight days later at the Allentown Burn Center, covered with medical devices and surrounded by family members glad to see me awake. It took about three days for the fog to lift to understand what had just happened.

However, during those eight days, I found that people began pitching in to help us. I just turned 65 and let me say it feels strange to know that all your clothes and personal effects are gone. The only thing that survived in the upstairs area of our living room and kitchen was our album of wedding pictures. I find that a true blessing (after 43 years of marriage).

I am writing this to give my sincere thanks to all those who have sent cards, donations, prayers, and help; to those who saved my wife, as well as our local police and the volunteer fireman who poured water on my house all night in the cold air. I am truly humbled and grateful. Words fail me to express my gratitude.

Again, thank you!

PASTOR JOHN C. BUTLER

South Williamsport

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom