Exclusive: Weather Destroys Michigan Family’s Home, Community to the Rescue

Saturday morning, January 13, 2024, was just like any other morning for a Mid-Michigan family with the exception of a power outage cause by the winter storm.

The family of six, plus pets, woke up and made breakfast like usual. Afterward the kids played in the house, like usual.

Moments later every single thing changed with a loud crash.

Strong winds and heavy snow/ice build-up caused a tree to split and fall directly on the Crosson family's home. The impact point, at the front of the house, was the boys room.

Each of the two boys, in there, at the time.

Had their youngest son been in his bed, just inches away, he would have been crushed by the tree.

Their home sustained even more damage. The hallway and much of the contents were destroyed. Since the power was out, pipes burst, too.

Immediately family, friends and complete strangers jumped into action.

Community rallies for the Crosson family.

Families and businesses around the Meridian School District donated meals, laundry services for the clothing they could grab and even a place for their dogs to stay until temporary housing was secured.

The kids at school even made "thinking of you" notes for their youngest daughter.

Starting over and seeking normalcy.

Jamie Crosson and her husband Mike are vividly aware it could have been worse. They're grateful nobody was injured, or worse. Soon, they'll move into a short-term rental which their insurance will thankfully cover.

In the meantime, they need almost everything from clothing to food basics. Jamie Crosson has set up a Go Fund Me page (click here) to assist with everything they'll need in the short-term.

(Full disclosure, Jamie is this writer's sister. This is my family.)

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The kids are aware things aren't "normal," but still attending school and participating in their extra-curricular activities. The pool at the hotel makes the little ones feel like it's a strange "vacation."

There's a long road ahead until their home is reconstructed. Right now, they're taking it one day at a time.

And very grateful for the compassion of family, friends and complete strangers.