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"It would be a lot worse it we had to go to a hospital" to visit family members, said Jim Tobin, 49.

Although more than 20 people were treated at area hospitals, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported.

Like many families, the Tobins' first priority is their two sons, Keegan, 9, and Jake, 8. They want life to be as normal as possible, even though there is no way it can be. Instead of having their own beds, the boys are sharing a bed in a crowded room that has a couch, TV set and small kitchen area.

"There's no room," Keegan said.

There are also no friends right outside the front door, but Debra Tobin plans to sign her sons up for an after-school Fun Club at Riverside School, so the boys can play with friends.

"We're fortunate," she said. "A lot of people I've talked to are having problems with their kids. They're anxious when it gets dark ... (and) they just don't want to go to bed."

The Tobins are adjusting to living out of two rooms, although a handicapped-accessible apartment would be better, said Debra Tobin, who is in a wheelchair. But she's not complaining. She has been through other challenges in her life: In a 14-month period, she gave birth to two sons, had a gall bladder removed and a leg amputated.

"My husband and myself are kind of good at a crisis," she said.

Lori and George Ataya, another Bates Street couple, are doing everything they can to turn the Marriott Residence Inn into a home for their daughter, Ashlee, 12, and son, Matthew, 10.

"We put a Christmas tree up in our hotel room," said Lori, 35.

Like many other families made temporarily homeless, the Atayas are grateful for the kindness being shown by the community.

"We're always the ones organizing fundraisers," Lori Ataya said. "It's hard to be on the other end. It's very moving how much people care."

Tom Dalton can be reached at 978-338-2523 or by e-mail at tdalton@ecnnews.com.

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