Our beloved parents, who gave us everything, just lost everything in Hurricane Ian. My sister and I agonized through 6 hours of uncertainty on September 28th as our parents braved the hurricane that ravaged through their little town on Pine Island, Florida.

We had no communication for the majority of the day as the hurricane took it's time tearing up everything in it's destructive path and forcing water surges in all directions. No one or nothing was unaffected. I will never forget that feeling of helplessness, knowing that my parents, who I love more than anything, held on for dear life in their neighbors house while we couldn't even text or call them to see if they were still alive.

After hours of tears and uncertainty, a text finally came through saying that they were alive and ok. Their house however, and all of their belongings inside, are not. Muddy, brackish water and silt has inundated their humble home and all their belongings, tearing through every room without care, saturating and destroying everything. Photos show that the water level was 4-5 feet throughout the small, one-level house. Furniture had been strewn about, photo albums destroyed, musical instruments decimated, appliances, beds, clothes, electronics and more in complete ruin.

It's heartbreaking to see all they had cultivated washed away in 6 hours. While most of the keepsakes are gone, I know that our family memories always live on in their hearts.

Everything needs to be replaced. Even the two cars they had are rendered useless after the saltwater took it's toll on the electronics. Their basic needs like a bed, clothes, shoes, etc. need to be taken care of, let alone what it may take to rebuild what was once such a cozy and humble little sanctuary on Pine Island; cabinets, electrical, plumbing, etc. The house is in ruins.

We are gratefully receiving any amount of financial support to help them get through this and let them know that they are not alone. Most of their nest egg and belongings have been stripped. I want them to know that they matter, that friends, families and even those who never met them in person, are here to support them as a community. They are the most optimistic people I know and I want them to feel supported as they rebuild their life.

Their first task is to see what is salvageable and then they need to get off the island safely (the bridge has actually been washed out and evacuation is by boat only). We are likely going to get them back to Montana for the time being so they can process everything that has happened and figure out what to do next. It is day by day at this point.

If you have any financial donation to give, every dollar will be gratefully accepted and help them get what they need as they settle in for the long haul of figuring out what comes next. Any amount will help with flights, clothing, cars, home repairs or finding a new home and more. They have given so much and I want to give back however we can so they feel held.

Thank you all so much for the love and wishes you've already sent – we appreciate that. Please consider sharing this as well to make an even bigger financial impact for our parents. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Peace, peace, peace.

Nat & Robin

*PS For those that will donate here, there is an option to make sure all of the money goes right to the fundraiser rather than 'processing fees.' You will see that as you finalize the donation process. Our family thanks you SO much for your generosity!