WEST LIBERTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Morgan County family is relying on faith, friends and family to help them rebuild after their house burned down over the weekend.
If not for the quick action of a FedEx driver who was passing by, the Endicotts may have lost more than their home.
"My heart's broke. Ain't no home here. It's gone," said Ernest Endicott. "I lost all the important stuff though anyways, put it that way. Except my kids, they're the most important, and God."
Around 8 a.m. on Saturday, Endicott woke up to a banging on the window. It was a stranger screaming that the house was on fire.
"I got up. I didn't get my shoes out. I didn't get my glasses out. We got the kids and away we went," said Endicott.
Barefoot, but alive, he left the house holding only a Bible and a few guns that were sitting by the front door.
If not for that one man, Endicott may not be standing here.
"We really appreciate Wayne Neace. He's out of the Chavies hub in Hazard. Works for FedEx. He was our angel," said Marita Moore, Endicott's sister.
"Well I give all my thanks to God, and I thank God that He worked his miracle to wake us up," said Endicott.
Unfortunately, this is not the first test of faith for the Endicotts.
"Well, (in) 2012, lost Mommy, my brother and sister-in-law in the tornado," said Endicott.
Ernest's brother, Charles, Charles's wife Betty Sue, and mother, Elizabeth, died in the March 2, 2012, tornado that struck West Liberty.
Nine years later, the three loved ones lost are still on Endicott's mind and in his heart.
But one remaining connection was lost Saturday. This house was built by his parents, and home to priceless memories.
"But I can't get it back. Pictures, I ain't got a picture of my kids or her. Nothing," said Endicott. "Really been through it. But God's still good all the time."
Endicott says his faith and his family will bring strength to rebuild what they've lost.
Endicott and Moore said they are grateful to the kindness of those who have helped the family since the fire. For now, the Endicotts are staying with friends until they can get back on their feet.
