By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
Dr. Enriqueta Ramos, 92, spoke about her and her husband’s path to reconstruction after a devastating fire destroyed their home. With the help of those around them and their perseverance, the couple can enjoy a new era in a rebuilt home.
The incident occurred on June 17, 2022, at two in the morning. Ramos recounted being awoken by her dog, Valentina, who she called, “The hero dog,” for had it not been for Valentina, the retired couple may not have awoken to find their house ablaze. The couple was used to Valentina barking at animals and eventually got up to investigate the issue, Ramos recalled. It was then they realized their house was on fire.
“Flames were coming up to the roof,” Ramos said about that fateful morning.
Her husband, Miguel Jimenez, 77, hurried Ramos to get herself and the other dogs out of the house. Ramos ran across the street, desperately knocking on her neighbor’s doors.
“I didn’t have a telephone, I only had my pajamas and house shoes,” said Ramos. One of their neighbors brought out water and chairs for Ramos and Himenez and had already alerted the fire department. Ramos called out for her husband, who thought he had gone into the house.
“As more of the neighbors came out, we all started to call out for him,” said Ramos.
After hours of yelling, Jimenez came out of the flames unharmed. Throughout it all, Valentina remained loyal to her owners. “She wouldn’t go without him, she’s a beautiful dog… and so intelligent,” said Ramos.
After the night of the fire, the neighbors behind Ramos helped them with residence while they rebuilt the home, lending them an apartment and other essentials. The next day, people from the neighborhood brought the couple new clothes and undergarments. The couple was also able to borrow a car from their neighbors.
“Our neighborhood is incredible,” said Ramos of her Sombra de Mesquite neighbors.
Ramos enlisted the kindness of the Fire Department Chief to salvage old passports and license plates, which the couple used to get new driver’s licenses.
“It has been an incredible journey for both of us,” said Ramos.
A year and a half later, the house was completed. The road to reconstruction had many roadblocks but finished this past May.
“We thank God that we were able to survive completely unharmed,” said Ramos.
The couple are retired university professors, but continue to teach at the San Benito Public Library. Ramos helps with GED and language classes, focusing on the Spanish language classes.
Those interested in the GED program can contact the San Benito Public Library at (956) 361-3800. The library is at 101 W. Rose San Benito. It is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 12- 4 p.m.
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