A 93-Year-Old Veteran Is Left Sleeping in Car After Fleeing Wildfires - So This Couple Decided To 'Adopt' Him

Nov 19, 2018 by apost team

Chairman of Paradise Ridge Fire Safe Council, Phil John, was interviewed by the LA Times. In the interview, he revealed there wasn't enough time for anyone to prepare for the wildfires that had erupted, especially at the magnitude they did.

He went on to say that there was simply no way to know the fire was going to be so big or even jump the creek.

As Veteran's Day took place on November the 11th, Paradise had basically been turned to ashes. This enormous fire left more than 25,000 residents leaving their homes to seek out a safe place to stay. Sadly, the death toll continued to go up.

 A 93-year-old World War II veteran, Lee Brundige, was one of the local residents of the ridge that attempted to reach safety. While on route to escape, he witnessed his whole neighborhood going up in flames.

Bridge recalls that he couldn't even tell if his own home had made it through the devastation. Looking at the photos online, it's pretty likely his home is no longer whole or stands at all.

apost.com

Brundige was able to drive an astonishing 20 miles to safety in Oroville. There is an evacuation center set up there. Once arriving, he really wasn't sure what to do from there. He knew his meals would be taken care of but he didn't know about sleeping; he simply planned to sleep in his car.

While in the evacuation center, Brundige met Tracy Grant. She was helping to distribute meals to the evacuees. She attempted to give Brundige a burger. He refused it and told her to keep it and give it to someone else who needed it more than he did.

Grant was blown away by his kindness but was very concerned for him. She asked him to go with her when she left that day. She told him that he was welcome to stay with her and her boyfriend at their home as a guest.

She wasn't going to take no for an answer. She gently persisted that he come to her home. She was very worried about him. Grant didn't want him sleeping in his car, or at another shelter. She was afraid that someone might even attempt to take advantage of him.

After some time of convincing, he finally agreed to her request. Since that day, Brundige has been living with Grant, her boyfriend, and their family dogs.

Josh Fox, Grant's boyfriend says that Brundige is welcome to stay as long as he wants, even forever. The funny thing is the dogs even like having him there. They love to hang out with him in the recliner.

Brundige is very grateful for them. He said they are angels to him. He went on to say how they have bought him clothes and everything he could possibly need. He admits that he doesn't know how to thank them, but he is sure going to try.

 

This is such a touching story. So many have lost their homes. It's great to know that there are still people out there that are willing to help others, even adopt them as their own family! Brighten someone's day by sharing the story with them.  What do you think about the couple's actions? Would you do the same? Let us know in the comments.