The Daily News

Janice and Fred Walters of Campbell, Minn., have a new understanding and appreciation for life's basic needs. After their house burned to the ground Christmas Day 2008, they were left with literally the clothes on their backs and a wind chime.

Recently, the Walters were able to hang the wind chime at their new mobile home in Campbell.

"It's been an awakening," Janice said. "Not too many days go by I don't wish I had my home back."

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In January 2009, the community held a benefit for the Walters, which was a tremendous help, Janice said. But the couple and their son, who also lives in Campbell, did 99 percent of the work on the home themselves. Others helped by donating the use of a Bobcat, trailer and other large items.

On May 27, the Walters moved the mobile home onto their lot after finally getting it cleaned. Then they started to build a two- stall garage and family room addition to the home in order to have room for visiting family.

Things were going well until June 17 when Fred fell off a ladder and broke his hip. He was rushed to Fargo and admitted for emergency surgery — he had severely fractured his hip in four places.

"I said to him, 'What did you go and do that for?'" Janice said, with a laugh. "I swear God wants us to have more patience because I tell you it's been one thing after another." Fred is still recovering and some days are difficult, but the roof is finished, Janice said.

The couple did not have homeowners insurance when their house burned, so they started from scratch. Now, as they have a loan out for their new home, they are required to have insurance. However, Janice isn't sure whether they'll be able to afford it after they pay off the loan.

"That is an expense we really can't afford on Social Security," she said.

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