Lake County (KRON) Shirley Leuzinger lived in her home in Middletown for 15 years before it was destroyed by fire.
So was the one across the street, where she and her husband previously lived for 10 years and raised their children.
Leuzinger said Monday she had seen TV images of her home burning and some neighbors had taken photos of the destruction, but it wasn’t until she saw it with her own eyes that the grief set in.
She says she’s thankful her family and three dogs are safe. She’s also thankful she was able to grab a few pictures and some important papers.
But standing in the middle of the ash and rubble, she remembered all the other possessions she wished she had taken with her. She says she’s doing her best to hold it together.