To the editor:

On February 10, power went back on in our home following days without power because of the Blizzard of 2013. We ran our fireplace the entire time the power was out in order to keep the family warm. About an hour after the power returned, our son Zechariah noticed a small amount of smoke curling out from behind the TV and alerted us. We quickly realized there was a fire in the wall adjacent to the fireplace (as a result of the fireplace being run hot for 3 days straight). After my wife, Judy, and I attempted to put the fire out, we realized it was beyond our ability to extinguish. We called 911 and proceeded to get the family out of the house as it quickly began to fill with smoke. You never realize how little time you have before smoke and fire fills your home.

A few years ago, Judy and I were watching an episode of “Extreme Home Makeover” where a family had lost everything in a house fire. At that time we questioned each other “what would we grab in the event of an emergency?” At that point, we made a plan to at least digitize all our photos and put them on a hard drive. If anything were to happen and we had to leave the house quickly, that would be the first thing to grab. Had it not been for that show, most of our recorded memories would be gone now. A special thanks to that show and their producers for that. I am sure they have no idea the positive impact they have had on people because of that show. Needless to say, when we realized the fire was uncontrollable, I immediately went up to grab the hard drive and Judy got the kids and her mother, Gale Costa, out of the house. If you don’t have a family plan on what single thing you are going to grab in an emergency, we urge you to make one before it’s too late.

The Mattapoisett Fire Department and Police arrived quickly, to be followed by the fire departments from Marion and Fairhaven. Unbelievably, in the midst of risking their lives and fighting the fire, the firefighters grabbed many of the family pictures from our walls and got them out of the house before they were destroyed. This was the first of many acts of kindness that brought tears to our eyes. We want to thank our local heroes of the Fire and Police Departments for what they did for us.

Our neighbors Shikara and Michael opened their home to initially keep warm and to hold the few items until we settled. Our other neighbors and Judy’s lifelong friends, Anne and Jeff Carriero opened their home to us and let us stay with them for the past month until we were able to find a place. They also provided a place for people to begin bringing clothes and donations. It was a true blessing to be able to have someone who willingly opened their home to us in the way they did in the midst of our personal tragedy. Thank you Anne and Jeff (and Amanda and Colby) for all you have done for us.

Immediately following the fire, people turned their thoughts and prayers into action. People like Teresa Choquette, Suzanne DeCosta - Barrows, Rocky and Ollie Costa began coordinating clothing and donations. They all provided a conduit for people to help us, and the results of their labor and assistance has been overwhelming. There were so many other people that spent numerous personal hours helping or donated that it has been difficult to keep up with it. Many people from our workplaces also stepped forward to assist us both through donations and understanding. Employees from the Town of Marion (Judy’s work), and Liberty Mutual (my work) have been outstanding in their support, as well as Gale’s many friends. Thank you to all.

Within a week of the fire, the Mattapoisett School system began their incredible support. It started with a dance at the Knights of Columbus followed by an Open Mic / Coffee Night at Old Hammondtown School to benefit us. The Open Mic Night was the idea of Zech’s former Music Director, Paul Halpainy. The Staff at Old Hammondtown pulled off an amazing night that we will not soon forget. Teachers at each of the schools provided both financial and emotional support as well. Additionally, the students of the 6th Grade displayed their compassion toward us and held a fundraising event as well as support from the Boy Scouts Troop 53 and the Catholic Church through St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. There were also numerous local businesses that helped support these events, that we are so very grateful.

Recently a Spaghetti Benefit Dinner was held at the Knights of Columbus for us. This was the latest and greatest show of community support that we have had. There were so many people that put so much work into making that night a huge success. Thank you to all for your help and assistance.

In the past couple of months, in spite of our personal disaster, it has been overshadowed by the love God has displayed through the support and concern from our community, friends and family. Today we praise God for what every single person has done do assist us in our personal difficulty, and for placing us in a town of people full of love and compassion. Thank you to all for everything you have done for us.

The Mooney Family: Mark, Judy, Zechariah and Mikayla,

and Gale Costa