ANNA, Texas — A Texoma family known for their generosity is now on the receiving end of community support after a lightning strike destroyed their home during a weekend thunderstorm.
The bolt struck the Auldridge family's roof directly above the children's bedroom, igniting a fire that took firefighters about three hours to extinguish. The children were not home at the time, and the family believes that absence saved their lives.
"They said your house was struck by lightning and it's in flames, and we're just in shock," Kevin Auldridge told KXII. His wife Laura described the children's room: "Their bunk beds are unrecognizable. No stuffed animals, no clothes — nothing is left."
Firefighters were able to rescue a few precious items, including Laura's college diploma and a 300-year-old family heirloom chandelier. But the joint box was left hanging through the ceiling, and the kitchen was covered in wires and melted insulation.
The Auldridges are well known across Texoma for their selflessness. During January's winter storm, Kevin worked 16-hour days helping stranded drivers, and the family spent more than $10,000 of their own money on aid for neighbors.
