They smelled smoke and couldn't breathe. Brian Miller and his children escaped their burning home in Parma early last Thursday morning, wearing just their pajamas and slippers.
They never turned back and though the home was a total loss, they had no regrets knowing everyone in the house got out safely.
Then there were the little things that happened after the fire.
Neighbors, many of whom they didn't know, opened their homes.
They gave the family hugs, clothes, shoes and a place to call home.
Then there were the firefighters, who kept the family in their thoughts even after the flames were put out.
They searched the charred remains and found pieces of the family's life, that they knew would mean the world to the Millers.
A framed picture of Andrew as a baby. The boys' dirt bikes.
Items they thought were lost in the fire, were recovered and given to them at a time when they needed them the most.
Robin Miller, Brian's wife and the boys' mother was at work when the fire started. She was called home to find her house destroyed, but her family okay.
The helping hands never stopped reaching out to the Millers.
The Cornerstone Christian Academy collected donations. Checks came in from anonymous donors. People left bags of clothes and other items.
The family was invited to pick up these items and it doesn't end here.
Others are also organizing a benefit for the family this Sunday.
They are temporarily staying at a local hotel. But they will always have a place to go, according to their family and neighbors.
A cousin thanked us for covering the story of the Millers. She said it helped them realize how many people cared for them.
The neighbor (Grace Dean) who first took them in after the fire, continues to watch out for the family. She has made them meals and just sat and talked to them.
Grace also made sure Andrew Miller had a birthday cake hours after the fire.
It was his 15th birthday and Grace said everyone deserved to celebrate their birthday. So they family celebrated and gave thanks for all their neighbors, friends and community have done.
They may have lost everything in the fire, but they have gained so much since.
And are slowly rebuilding their lives, thanks to the loving support of those around them.
Patrice Walsh/Reporter
