Barrel Racer’s Home Burns to Ground

  Feb. 12, 2003

Troup, TX                             Population:  1,659.

  NBHA district 20 barrel racer Cecilia Campbell 49, discovered her home was burned to the ground Sunday, February 9.

  Cecilia had barely left her driveway Sunday morning, when a neighbor who was watching her horses noticed smoke coming from the house.   But it was already too late.  The 100 year-old farm house on 16 acres was too far gone by the time the fire department made it to the blaze – nothing was left but charred remains.  

  The home was insured but only enough to pay off the existing mortgage.   The contents of her house were not covered - everything  was lost.   Cecilia is now living in a small camper she purchased last summer for use as a deer camp – for $100. As barrel racers typically do, NBHA district 20 is rallying to help Cecilia start over – collecting food and supplies. 

  Cecilia qualified for the NBHA world show this summer in the D division on her 25 year old gelding “Black”.  Of all the treasures in her house, the loss causing her the most pain Wednesday was a picture of herself at the NBHA world where she qualifed in the 3D division, riding  “Black”.  

  Jill Monkress, a dear friend of Cecilia is heading up the donations. I called her.

  “Cecilia gives of herself to everyone – she has the biggest heart”,  Jill remarked when I talked to her last week about the tragedy.

   “She thinks of herself last and others first.” 

  I asked a few more questions, hung up the phone, tooky and called Cecilia myself  - at her job.  The phone rang and I had the opportunity to chat with Cecilia about what happened to her.  She was amazing!

  “I can rebuild my home. I am just pretending I’m at deer camp.” She quipped bravely on the other end of the line.

  “Adversity makes you stronger” she reasoned to me after thanking me for the call and my concern.  No hand-outs requested here.  Cecilia offered no whining and sought no sympathy.  I was moved.

  But she is genuine . . and has her limits.  While Cecilia has had many offers from friends to stay at their house – she is living in the camper parked next to the remains of her past.   A generator offers power, and she has run a long hose from the barn to supply her water. 

 “Black lost it after the fire.”  Cecilia explained to me.  I have to stay right here.  I have animals to care for.   She did mention that she was glad it gets dark before she gets home at night.  The sight of her the charred ruins – and memories – is painful.  I thanked her for her time – and made a note to get the news out for others who might be able to help.

  And the photo of her and Blackie?  I got lucky.  A little sleuthing and I found Kenneth Springer who took the photo.  It should be in the mail now.   Hearing that her photo was being replaced - Cecilia let her guard down for a moment – and cried.

  If you would like to help Cecilia you can send donations directly to her:

Cecilia Campbell
RR2 Box 260
Troup, TX  75789

  She will be very thankful of anything she receives.

  Need more info? Contact
Jill Monkress 903-597-4459

  Story by Gail Mattern - Barrel Horse World