The destruction of his home has been a devastating blow for Back, not only because of the property loss but also the irreplaceable memories he had to leave behind, including those of his late wife, Rose. Rose passed away two and a half years ago at the age of 90, but the pain of her absence remains fresh in Back’s heart.
Back and Rose, both originally from Germany, met when they were just 17 years old. After relocating to the United States in the 1950s, they married and settled into their dream home, which they lived in for nearly 60 years. A beautiful part of their life together was their shared passion for ballroom dancing. They danced every Saturday night throughout their lives, continuing the tradition well into their 90s.
Together, they raised two children, and their legacy lives on through their four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. However, there is a profound sense of emptiness without Rose, especially after the fire destroyed much of their shared history, including precious photo albums filled with memories of her.
Despite this heartache, Back remains connected to Rose in a meaningful way. Every Sunday, he visits her grave to speak with her, even after the fire. During his recent visit, he expressed his sorrow, saying, “I’m sorry, but there is nothing I could do. I lost it, and you’re already gone. I’m happy you didn’t have to see what actually happened.”
While Back faces the emotional challenge of rebuilding his life after the fire, he is also confronted with the reality of whether he’s too old to rebuild his home. He has yet to be given permission to return to the area, leaving his future uncertain. Despite the overwhelming loss, Rose will always remain a part of him, cherished in his memories and heart.