A year after their home burned to the ground and they were lucky to escape with their lives, Harcum residents Marie and Tom Cook are celebrating being in their new home, built in the footprint of the house Mr. Cook built with his own hands more than 40 years ago.

The couple recently hosted more than 300 family members and friends to celebrate this special milestone; and most importantly, their blessed lives.

It was just before 3:30 the morning of July 10, 2017 when the Cook’s son, Randy, who lives with them, smelled something funny. When he went to the porch door to investigate, the handle burned his hand and he noticed the electrical outlet on the front porch of the house had caught fire.

He immediately ran to his parents’ bedroom to get them out of the house and then went next door to his sister’s place to dial 911. 

The couple recalled that they were “blessed” to find their way out of the house, as it was filled with smoke that fateful Monday m...