Good morning, Natchez.

On Nov. 20, I woke up and was not in Natchez anymore.

Why didn’t someone tell me, I wondered?

Well on Nov. 10, mine and my husband’s house was destroyed by a fire.

As I saw everything I owned going down in flames, I decided to go back in to save a few pictures and mementos.

As a result, I suffered burns to my face and arms. I was air lifted to CMMC Burn Unit in Jackson.

While there I was placed on the ventilator and treated for second- and third-degree burns. I was sedated and unconscious for 10 days.

When it was time to come off of the ventilator, the doctors tried to wake me to no avail.

It wasn’t until my son came to my bedside and played “The Anchor Holds” by Ray Boltz that I opened my eyes for the first time.

Imagine hearing a song in church for the first time and then waking up to it playing some 11 days later.

I am on my road to recovery and rebuilding with my husband of 52 years.

We pretty much left with the clothes on our backs.

We were able to recover a few pictures and my Bible. The house was totally destroyed.

My children have been telling me about the overwhelming support of the Natchez, Church Hill and Vidalia communities.

Natchez has always been my home town and now I know why. There are so many people to thank that I really do not know where to begin.

So many people have reached out to help me and my husband. So many people have prayed for my recovery.

I am completely and totally overwhelmed and humbled by everyone’s prayers, concerns and donations.

I would like to publicly thank everyone that has said a prayer, everyone that has donated money, food, clothes, toiletries, etc., and everyone that helped with the clean up.

I will be forever grateful for the support of this wonderful community. We love you all.

An account has been set up at Regions Bank under the name of Phillip Watts and Shannon Russ for donations.

 

Barbara Watts

Natchez resident