Devastation

This past June there was a terrible flood in Calgary, affecting many families.  For Dan's family, they lost the cabin.  We've celebrated birthdays there, even one Christmas that was so nice we played horseshoes on Boxing Day (no snow, warmest day on record).   When we first started going, all family members could go at the same time; there were enough beds for all adults.  All our children grew up there, knowing it to be a retreat, and a place where we go to regroup and reconnect with each other. The cabin was an investment for his parents, a retirement plan.  However, because it was not their primary residence, they received no insurance money, and literally had to walk away.  The water levels were so high inside, for such a long period of time, that nothing was recoverable.

Shoe hanging on a wind chime.  The glass was broken from the inside due to the pressure of the water.

This used to all be grass, with a full deck attached to the right side of the cabin.

The couch was lifted by the water to get over the 3 foot railing in the foreground, moving it from the living room into the kitchen (as with all the other furniture in the kitchen). You can see the waterline just below the cedar shingles at the top of the photo.

This is to the left of the photo above.  The fridge had to go over that same railing and cross the whole room to end up in this spot.

Mud on the carpet.  It was tested and contained fecal matter, but because it didn't contain E. Coli, they could receive no insurance money or government support.

More mud.

Be thankful people.  Be thankful and grateful.