The Westlock home of Lenard and Edna Jennings and their five grandchildren is quaint and cozy, filled with love and evidence of a happy family.
One would never suspect the family has only been there for just over a month. There is no evidence of the tragedy suffered a mere eight weeks ago, when they lost their Linaria household to a vicious fire Feb. 13.
Lenard, 67, and Edna, 62, had lived on the acreage for over 30 years, taking care of five of their grandchildren ages five to 14 years old for the past five, before it burnt to the ground.
Left with nothing more than the clothes on their back, help was quick to come to the couple and their grandchildren. Lenard and Edna’s daughter Pam Grenier took in the family to live in the trailer where she resided with her own three children, but they weren’t there long.
Within a week of losing their home and everything in it, the Jennings had a new house to stay in. And it wasn't empty.
By nightfall of Feb. 20, the family of seven was able to sleep in their temporary homestead in Westlock, snuggled in donated beds and blankets. The home was furnished with almost everything but a kitchen stove and fridge, but those arrived the next day.
"Within a week we were set up again," said Edna. "The support was there instantly."
"It just looks like it's been like this for years," added Lenard, gesturing towards the welcoming living room.
Donations have poured in from all over the province, spilling across the borders from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, the United States, even from as far away as England.
There have been various fundraisers held by local churches and schools, as well as a significant number of anonymous donations.
The amount of support they have received over the past month has been unreal, said Edna, especially because they are just one small family.
“It’s just been amazing,” said Edna. “Even that night of the fire a couple of families had found out about it and had started phoning to see what they could do.”
Though Lenard and Edna have acquired what they need for the time being, the support hasn't ceased. In fact, the couple has had to politely turn down donations.
"We have lots of company and support here. It's continuous support," said Edna. "They are still phoning and seeing if we need anything."
"All we have to do is holler if we need something," added Lenard.
It has been a long road for the family, and with it have come many adjustments in a short period of time. The Jennings said their grandchildren have had a hard time adjusting to town life, as they are used to their spacious countryside lifestyle.
“Yesterday they were asking, 'When are we moving home?’” Said Edna. “They miss some of their toys and a lot of the little things, but the big thing is the outside.”
“They go out and play in the yard here, but at home there was lots of space,” added Lenard.
The children do however appreciate the extra sleep they get in the morning, laughed Edna, as their school is only two blocks away.
Currently the couple is working on their plans to move back to the acreage, as the home they are in now is only available to them until the end of June. The site of the fire has been mostly cleaned up, and Lenard said a crew has been working on what remains of the old home’s basement.
Lenard and Edna have also picked out a new house, which will be moved back to where the old one was. However with warmer weather approaching, the couple is on a tight deadline now.
“To get the house over there before the frost goes out of the ground is the big thing,” said Lenard. “I've got to cross a field. If that field thaws out, then we can't move it until it gets hard again.”
As moving back to the place they once called home becomes more of a reality, Lenard and Edna continue to count their blessings and thank all who helped them through their long and difficult journey.
"I would really like to thank each and every one for their generous help in many, many ways," said Edna. "It's been in money, prayers, support, labour, food, whatever you can think of they've done."
"It's all a blessing in so many ways. It's overwhelming to see the support from all over the place," added Lenard. "I don't know how to explain it. People care so much."
