Flood wrap-up

Last Saturday marked 10 weeks since the White River overflowed into our neighborhood and into our lives. For the past week or so Mrs. K and I have been living in our mostly mended home. It’s not in the least “finished,” but it is comfortable and warm enough to sleep in, rest in, work in, and have our meals in.

And we no longer have to use the RV for survival, which is better for us as the season changes over to cooler weather. It was great to have as an outpost, but our house is much the preferred location for us now.

Those 10 weeks have gone by very quickly and our personal progress has outpaced nearly all of our neighbors, some of which have not been able to even start steps to recover their homes as they are meshed in dealings with the city, insurance companies, banks, contractors, and suppliers. We count ourselves to be VERY lucky in how our project has come together. You all know our son Tony has been a great contributor on that account, leading the demolition, design and rebuilding of walls, floors, and furnishings. And we have been extremely fortunate financially as family, friends, and FEMA have come through with generosity. The expense involved in all this recovery work has been staggering.

Some of our neighbors will need many more months to get their properties in order. Some nearer to the river need to have their homes raised up off the ground in order to meet the requirements set by state laws referencing flood plain property. It’s truly overwhelming for many. I’ve heard of one man who just collected his possessions and walked away. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear of more individuals doing that due to what they are facing.

Again, I want to emphasis that we know we have been so lucky to have met this challenging disaster in the way we have been blessed with. Mrs. K and I only have to look up and down our street to see the different difficulties that people are facing. We have a ways to go, too, but we are so close to finishing the work.

I feel I’ve learned a lot during these past weeks – practical things like hanging doors and mounting cabinets and installing doorknobs and handles. But, perhaps even more so, things like generosity and patience (something I have lost from time to time, and by losing it have found its importance).

Through it all, we have come away with a great appreciation for all the volunteers who have selflessly come forward in aiding people’s efforts during these hard times, whether it be organizing meals, arranging for free drywall to be available, or clothing, or monetary contributions such as one by Pat Sullivan of Sullivan Hardware who purchased a great number of $300 gift cards to be distributed for purchases not from his stores but from Lowe’s!

Bottom line: We are just so glad to be back in our home – still a work in progress, but we can live here again. Also – we are tired, so very tired – happy but tired.