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Sadness has filled the community of Stallings, NC as fire swept through the Parry household claiming the lives of Elena (5), and Olivia (4). This tragic situation strikes a chord of grief throughout the adoption community as the Parry’s were an adoptive family.
Years ago when the couple couldn’t concieve, they decided to pursue an adoption through Guatemala. During the adoption, they learned that they were pregnant. Mr. Parry flew to Guatemala for the pick-up trip and brought home their baby Elena. Just months later their baby Olivia was born. Within months they became a family of four. Years later, the Parry’s would give birth to Ava a couple years later.
According to the Charlotte Observer, just before 1pm on Wednesday, fire began in the garage and quickly swept through the house. Mrs. Parry was bathing daughter Ava downstairs while the older two girls were playing upstairs. She could only manage to get Ava out before the house was engulfed in flames. Two men made heroic efforts to reach the girls but to no avail.
The community has come together and held a candlelight vigil with over 300 people in attendance to remember the girls. The family has not made a statement publicly and have not been fully interviewed by officers yet because of their grief.
This story overwhelms me with sadness as I know now what it is to be a parent and to love your children with every ounce of your being. I hurt so badly for this family and their loss. If you can, the Charlotte Observer announced a relief fund to help meet the Parry family needs. They lost everything material in the fire on top of the devastating loss of life. Here is the information from the Observer.
How to Help
Morning Star Lutheran Church in Matthews is accepting financial donations for the family. Checks should be made out to Morning Star Lutheran Church with “Parry Family Relief Fund” in the memo field. The church’s mailing address is 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC 28105.
Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. today at the church. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
