There have been some ominous skies lately, and they have unleashed water, the likes of which hasn't been seen around here for a century.
Our neighbours to the west, a lovely place of majestic mountains, gorgeous lakes, and towering cities, was hit with the kind of flooding that inspires disaster movies. People were evacuated by any means necessary. And I do mean any means. There were combines, fork lifts, canoes and front end loaders all skillfully, and for the most part, successfully rescuing people and pets.
Some true tragedy did arise from the waters, as some lives were lost to it's torrent. Our hearts go to those suffering from this incredible loss. It speaks to the heroic efforts of the emergency personnel and citizens that there weren't more fatalities.
Other than these precious lives, the damage, though devastating, and heartbreaking, is to stuff. Treasured by those that held it dear, expensive to replace, and some completely irreplaceable, but stuff. We can live without a lot of stuff, buy more stuff, repair some stuff, replace some stuff with other stuff, but in the end it's stuff.
If we can walk away with a heartbeat, we can walk on. I'm saying "we" like I was there, I wasn't. We have lost a lot of stuff to flooding in the past, and it sucks. There is no real pretty way of putting it. It simply sucks. But, we walked away with a heartbeat.
Our thoughts and prayers are going out to all of those who have been displaced from home, school and work. Those who are dealing with a shocking loss that is as individual to each person as their lives before the rain.
I watched a very short video featuring the longest living survivor of the holocaust, in which she was asked what was her secret to doing so well at 109 years young. After living through unspeakable horror and going on to live a happy life, needless to say I was more than curious as to what her answer might be. Her secret? "See the beauty in everything." "I know about the bad", she says "but I choose to find the beauty."
Simple as that. Who am I to argue?
So out of this loss, we will find the beauty. The beauty in the kindness of strangers opening their homes to those who suddenly had nowhere to turn. The beauty of the fortitude of the citizens, watching, and knowing the magnitude of what the rebuild will entail. The beauty of being reminded that no matter how much we think we are in control, Mother Nature is still driving this particular bus.
Compared to the week experienced by others, mine was pretty mellow. We had another great week at the shop, and continue to be so grateful for this opportunity.
We had a surprise visit from my brother, and I was able to get a few more details worked out for "Sibfest 2013." This get together of my siblings, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a smattering of the younger generation's significant others, will be so much fun. We tend to be a pretty goofy bunch, and aren't exactly shy about proving it without any real provocation.
Along with finalizing some things for "Sibfest" the upcoming week will see some more book keeping, some paperwork, some assisting in installing an awning, a toilet and repairing an axle on a 39ft flatdeck trailer. Oh, and lending a hand in repairing a camper that lost a fight with a fence in a big way.
Well folks, that about does it for another week, from this end. But, before I go, I'd like to leave you with this wish.
May all that is lost be found, especially joy, laughter and smiles that are not a mask for others.
May you see that now,life will look different, for this tragedy makes sisters and brothers.
May you see beyond the mud and muck, look past the destruction, see what can be from here.
May you strive forward with confidence and grace, letting go of anger and fear.
May you find the strength to do what is needed, for others, for yourself, do your duty.
May you, through the heartbreak, find the courage to know the bad, but choose the beauty.
Until next time,
www.margyreidbooks.com
Feel free to creep me on facebook! (Margy Robertson Reid)
No comments:
Post a Comment