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Family who lost all in fire regroups

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| Monday, January 10, 2005 |

Deirdre Cox Baker

A young couple who lost most of their belongings in a Christmas-time fire has found a silver lining in what was their second tragedy in three years.

Jarrid Mills, 25, Cristal Wilson, 23, and their 3-year-old son Jayden Mills have settled into a Davenport apartment with many new belongings courtesy of a generous Quad-City community.

The family lost most of its possessions Dec. 20 in a Bettendorf apartment fire. They also were victims in a 2001 car accident that involved a driver who ran a red light. It killed the couple's young daughter, Jada, and critically injured Jarrid Mills.

But Mills and Wilson seem to have found inner strength after the holiday fire. "This really changed them," said Cindy Klatt, Jarrid's mother of Davenport.

"People showed up at our hotel with gifts," Mills said. "I was surprised; I just wasn't aware that many good people are left."

Wilson has returned to college and plans to become a psychiatric nurse. Mills starts classes in mid-month, he wants to eventually earn a business degree. The couple hopes to marry this year.

The generous donations have helped them furnish the new Davenport apartment, but Wilson and Mills had problems finding a place to rent. Mills believes that probably was due to the fire and the fact they are young.

Young Jayden had a terrific Christmas. "He's now got more toys and clothes than he's ever had," his father said.

While the couple adjusts to their new life, they also look to the future. "Things are going better than expected," Klatt said. "And it's only because of the great people around here."

Deirdre Cox Baker can be contacted at (563) 383-2492 or dbaker@qctimes.com.