My Post Tornado Rant

-
I was reading some of the posts about the tornado on Facebook about the city, the Mayor and the workmen in general. As I read, my indignation increased because it wasn't at all what I personally experienced.  The city workers worked tirelessly 7 days a week. They checked in with us to see how they could help. They were there to clear some of the debris off our property and back lawn (so definitely our property) so we could get some of the main huge trees off our house. Everyone pitched in. Jean, who worked for the city for 21 years made sure the debris was cleared away. The orchestration of the trucks, bulldozers and cranes was incredible and they didn't leave until the sun went down at night. His heart was in the right place and did everything he could, period, full stop.

The forestry professionals explained to me what some of the threats were and their concerns. No, they didn't want the white pines to go because of liability. To the contrary, they wanted trees to survive because now there is an erosion concern and that will directly affect our property. They're leaving the stumps for now until more can be planted to take their places so hopefully the hill won't fall into the creek. They were planning and surveying the situation day after day to figure out the best way forward. I took the time to speak with them, hear what they had to say and they did the same right back.

There is no easy way to deal with a tornado, never mind six! People found a way to get into the area even though the police did their best to try to manage them. They stopped every car they saw. Some might have come in the back way — where there's a will, there's a way — even for unscrupulous workers and snoopers but for the most part, I believe they did an incredible job. The area was riddled with nails, cut glass, sharp objects and huge holes in the ground hidden under branches and debris, so I'm glad there weren't extra people let in because the last thing anyone needed were injuries on top of everything else.

I worked in many government offices and know that if you have great people and the right people at work, you don't have to be there to orchestrate. Was everything done perfectly? Who am I to say what perfect is as everyone was dealing with different issues, but did they do their best? I truly believe they did.

There are two words that nowhere near say it but it's what I've got.  Thank you!  Thank you to all the city workers who I got to meet and those I didn't know other than to wave hi and bye to. Only now can rebuilding and replanting begin.

The day after


City piling the debris to they could cart it away

Taking care not to destroy our remaining tree! 

The truck tires were taller than me!

After their very hard work. 







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Capacity to Process the Vastness of it All

-
Image
Next Thursday will 6 months since the tornado hit us. Half a year! I was speaking with someone last week who put it beautifully. He said, "For all of us life goes on, but for you, you're still living it." Exactly. Even though work is progressing, it's almost like being in a life warp more than a time warp. Sometimes, when I see someone in the neighbourhood where we're currently living, they're surprised we're shopping so far away from our home and when I tell them we're in temporary housing due to the tornado, they're taken aback because it's so long ago and how could we possibly still be out of our home? Others immediately remark at how horrible contractors are and how they "take their sweet time". Well ours does not fit that category. They are working diligently to get us back in. The outside work will happen once the snow is gone but at least at a point where we can move in and live there. I've been watching the tile ma...
Read more

Five Plus Months Later

-
Image
Five months post tornado, on my daily drive to the house, I check to look for progress as I turn the corners into the tornado stricken area. A new roof here, finally new windows replacing the wood-covered gaps in that house on the corner there, and pods popping up in front of homes that were left way too long for the repairs to begin, showing some positive changes. The starkness and brightness where there was shade and towering trees, still hits me hard. I can't get used to having to shade my eyes from the glaring sun.  Parking and getting out of the car, especially very early in the morning or on a weekend when the trades aren't working away, I listen for familiar sounds. I heard my first bird the other day. Usually, by this time of year, we would hear a chorus of birds. Now, there was only one. There aren't trees and bushes for them to nest and live in right now. I hope they find their way back once trees are planted in the area. When I stand still, mostly what I h...
Read more

Holiday Silence

-
Image
New Year's Day. Everything was so still. Usually there are workmen inside and out repairing, plastering, painting, demolishing — whatever has to get done and can be done right now. We went to the house to take pictures now that it's still, to reflect on all that's been done and, well, just to visit. I am so used to be there multiple times a day that not going is almost painful. The silence is deafening especially as all I want is for the work to be done. I know. Patience. I tell myself that every day. The workmen have gone above and beyond with how hard they've been working in horrible weather conditions too. The lull gave us a chance to go through the rooms and take it all in without getting in the way. We discovered yet another damaged window and left a note with arrows showing where. Possibly another delay for other things to get done while we wait for windows. I'll know tomorrow when I speak with the builder. I am glad the workmen took the time between...
Read more