Day of reflection for Richmond Hill

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - For the dozens of families hit hard by the south side explosion, Thanksgiving took on a whole new meaning this year.

One look at the devastation beyond the police barricades that still ring the Richmond Hill subdivision, it would be easy to justify having little to be thankful for.

But, since the night the tragedy first hit, residents there have been incredibly resilient.

Some even spent their holiday giving back, neighbor to neighbor.

For Kirk McDonald, it was about as welcome as distractions can get. Ten days ago, his home just a few doors down from the center of the blast was heavily damaged.

Walls are filled with cracks and trusses are broken and shifted. Clean-up has been exhausting.

On Thursday, he and his family traveled to his parents’ home in Columbus, to focus on healing.

“We'll put it aside and not think about it,” he told 24-Hour-News 8. “We’ll just enjoy being a family"

The McDonalds aren't alone.

Inside the blast zone, dozens had nowhere to go and nowhere to say thanks for the important things.

“I’ve got my family, and there is so much we are still blessed with.

I still have my house. A lot of my neighbors don’t have that,” McDonald said. Some of them saw neighbors extend an extra welcome mat on Thursday.

“Several of our neighbors have offered their homes for them to come in and share thanksgiving, and that is an awesome thing to see,” McDonald said.

Still, each neighbor knows the road ahead will be tough.

But, there is comfort in knowing they are walking it together, McDonald said.

“It makes you feel better,” he said. “It's a sense of pride. And, for the community to come in a help, it’s just been awesome”.

For one day, turkey and sweet potato pie replaced shovels and hammers. Hugs replaced tears. The work of rebuilding was put on hold so those hit so hard by tragedy could say thanks for the blessings they have left.

“I've got lots of family and friends that are so supportive,” McDonald said. “And the whole neighborhood does. We'll do what we have to do to get through this”.

Work to clean-up in the neighborhood was put on hold for the holiday, but is expected to resume on Friday.

Damage is now estimated at more than $4 million.