Tragedy becomes 'a blessing' for disabled Vietnam Vet

Tragedy becomes 'a blessing'
By Elizabeth Richardson

The Times-Herald

While many families were gearing up for Christmas on Dec. 23, 2008, Leon Dyes -- a 61-year-old disabled Vietnam veteran -- was about to face tragedy.

Dyes lived at 62 Lone Oak Road near Grantville. In the early morning hours of Dec. 23, an electrical fire erupted, burning his residence to the ground.

"Thankfully, none of my family was home at the time," said Dyes.

Dyes' son, daughter-in-law and young grandson had been staying with him at the time. On Dec. 23, they were out of town celebrating Christmas while Dyes was staying in LaGrange.

Thanks to the generosity of others, however, Dyes was recently able to move into his reconstructed house and turn what was once viewed a tragedy into "a blessing."

Dyes lost all of his possessions in the fire, as well as two dogs, one that belonged to him and one that was his son's.
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Tragedy becomes a blessing