|
|
||
Family returns to rebuild home; original was destroyed in May 8 tornado that tore through Stafford County
RELATED:
Date published: 11/27/2008
BY JONAS BEALS
On the evening of May 8, a tornado ripped the second floor off Tim and Valencia Kyburz's Stafford County home. "It was one of the worst nights of our lives," Valencia Kyburz said. "We grabbed the kids and went to the basement. It was probably only 30 seconds, but it felt like an eternity." They both describe the aftermath of the storm in the same way: It was like a war zone. "You come out of your house and see your 3-year-old's stuff in the front yard," Valencia Kyburz said. "It's scary." Their home in the England Run subdivision off U.S. 17 had to be demolished. They were left with nothing but a foundation and an insurance claim. Tim Kyburz works for the Alexandria Police Department. The family had a modest ceremony to retire the American flag that flew from their house before it was razed. Six months later, the Kyburz family has a lot to be thankful for. Tim, Valencia and their two sons all survived the disaster without a scratch. On Saturday, they moved into a brand-new house, which rises from the old foundation. Most importantly, they say, they learned about the people around them. "We had great support from our friends," Tim Kyburz said. "That's what has meant the most." "This isn't about us and our loss," Valencia Kyburz added. "It's about the community." That support and appreciation was on display yesterday. Insurance agents, construction workers, family, friends and neighbors gathered in front of the new house to celebrate a job well done and a family that weathered a storm unlike any our area has ever seen. To properly mark the homecoming and bookend the rebuilding process, the Alexandria Police Department color guard returned to post the colors on the new Kyburz house. A barbecue lunch followed the ceremony--a reciprocal token of gratitude for the generosity the Kyburz family felt during their ordeal. The couple had effusive praise and thanks for everyone present. "I think it was more stressful planning this day than getting the house done," Tim Kyburz said with a laugh. Workers from Old Dominion Specialty Construction universally praised the Kyburzes' patience and positive attitudes. The company repaired approximately 50 tornado-damaged homes in the area. They set an informal goal of completing all repairs by Thanksgiving, making it with a week to spare. "Their house was the worst of the neighborhood," Old Dominion manager Randy Roig said. "I think it went well, though. I was impressed by how the community came together." Even this particular storm had a silver lining, polished bright by a family that appreciates every kind gesture, no matter how small. "I'm very happy that my daughter and her family got their home and their life back," Valencia's mother, Francine Davis, said. "They're a resounding couple. I knew they could do it." Some tears were shed, but Tim and Valencia Kyburz were all smiles. "We're overjoyed and excited to be back home," Valencia Kyburz said. Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Read more stories about Stafford Date published: 11/27/2008
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
