A lightning strike started a devastating fire at the home of the Goodman family in Sugar Land, Texas, on Friday. The community has since come together to support them in their time of need, showcasing the strength and resilience of Texans in times of crisis.
Kristin Goodman, head volleyball coach at Stephen F. Austin High School, was at the Houston Rodeo when she received the news that their house had been struck by lightning during the storms. Her husband, Rex Goodman, was at home and quickly realized something was wrong when their dog alerted him to the smoke coming from the chimney. He promptly called 911 and was able to FaceTime his wife, who was shocked to see history repeat itself as their home was engulfed in flames – ironically, almost 20 years after a similar incident.
The Sugar Land Fire Department responded swiftly to the scene, preventing the fire from spreading further and saving a precious family heirloom – Kristin’s grandmother’s piano. Despite the devastating loss of many belongings, the Goodmans are grateful that no one was hurt in the fire.
In a heartwarming display of support, Kristin’s aunt set up a GoFundMe page to help the family with the repairs, which quickly exceeded its goal thanks to the generosity of strangers and loved ones alike. The Goodmans were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support, with donations coming from people who had never even met them.
As they begin to pick up the pieces and look towards the future, the Goodmans are filled with gratitude for their community and the first responders who acted swiftly to protect their home. The $30,000 raised through the GoFundMe campaign has provided them with a sense of security and hope as they navigate the road ahead.
The Goodman family’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion that can arise in the face of tragedy. Through the support of their community, they are finding light in the darkness and hope in the midst of loss.