Displaced

Some of you may remember the New Year's Flood of 2015-16. Many of you were not affected. Several of us were - most able to return to their homes. I was displaced. The water came up fast and higher than I expected. Over the next few weeks, let me tell you about being displaced.

My back yard to the field 3 days after the crest. Insurance wanted to know why I didn't get photos during the crest. I could not get to my home!

I have Friends. Like most of us, I knew I had friends, but until both myself and my dogs were threatened, I hadn't fully appreciated for some time the Friends I had. As the water came up, I put out a plea in CAPS on Facebook for people to take in a dog or two. Within 5 hours, each dog was placed with friends and former acquaintances who jumped up and said YES. The water completely filled the yards, field, basement, and significantly on the first floor. I could not have safely left one dog at Silverwalk - he would have drowned or been lost floating away.

Other Friends pulled up my furnace,etc., from the basement to what we thought would be a safe haven on the first floor. They also moved me out faster than I may have left on my own; I believe I was in a bit of shock.

A family of Friends took me and three dogs into their home - I am still there. I moved from a solitary life with my dogs to a house with teenage boys, dogs, cats, and horses. Not only was the flood traumatic, and as grateful as I am for my "flood foster" home, the changes were jarring...and we all knew that.

My blood family is scattered throughout the States, so they were unavailable to directly help, but they prayed, they sent actual letters, and they cared.

My first heart felt truth of this experience is I am not alone. Few people truly are - we just can get in a hole and think we are. What can you do for someone today or tomorrow?

Next up: loss of habits/rituals/routine.