So Many People to Thank

Fireflighter clearing debris taller than he was

Right now it's a waiting game — waiting for all the ducks to align before the work can even start. Scope to finalize, estimates, bids, lists upon lists, and as patience is not my strong suit, I figured I'd take the time to reflect on the gifts I've been given in the midst of it all — the gift of people who we met along the way who have our backs.

I've lived in this neighbourhood for 33 years. It defines the word community. In the middle of the chaos, our neighbourhood pharmacist, Kamlesh Gandhi from Shoppers Drug Mart went door to door telling anyone who was a customer that even if he didn't have power, if we knocked on the door, he and his staff would make sure we had our medication.


The staff from the TownePlace Suites Hotel in Kanata where we stayed temporarily, checked in every day to see if there was anything they could do to help. One evening, when I went downstairs to make a cup of tea, I happened to mention to Bronte who was on duty that night, that Cream of Earl Grey tea from David's Tea was my favourite and she should try it some time. A couple of days later, she came running with a gift bag for me, a beautiful china travel mug, a tin of Cream of Earl Grey and filters from David's tea. She thought it might make me feel better to relax at the end of the day with a cup of my favourite tea. This came from her, not the hotel, but every person we interacted with at the TownePlace Suites had a huge heart and truly cared.

Most of the time, we focus on how long things take to get done and want them done yesterday but there is so much more to consider. Is everything being done properly? Diligently? Are the right people in place to do what has to be done?  There are so many people working with all these moving parts that I am grateful that they are the right people.

Our insurance company, Chubb, was there from the start. They assigned a temporary adjuster until they could get someone local on the ground. They made sure we had what we needed every step of the way. While others tried to reach their agents, ours was there the next day. They are the best of the best and a dream to deal with, which is what you want when you're in the middle of chaos.

The construction firm they hired to mitigate the mess immediately after were fantastic. Ryan and his team from ServiceMaster did everything they could to stabilize the house, pack it up and prepare it for the work to come, but even more than that, the reassurances that they would take care of what had to get done and done right and with care were in every action, every conversation. I joked (almost) with Ryan that after dealing with cancer treatments last year and a tornado this year, I didn't want there to be a third, (if the saying that bad things come in threes is true). He texted me to tell me to go and stub my toe so the third thing wouldn't happen.

His team swept the glass so I wouldn't have to deal with it, tarped up the holes in the roof, boarded up the smashed windows, and tried their best to get the insulation collected and tossed to clear some of the mess. They shook out the bedding, carefully moved things out of harms way and eventually packed up the rest to put it in storage. Piece by piece, they wrapped and protected and carefully moved our belongings off site.

Boxes upon boxes

Eric and Mark packing with a smile, a bit of humour and a world of respect.

They took the time to check in and see how I was doing, asked if I was able to relax at all over the weekend and assured me that they had everything in hand. I could let them do their thing because I knew they had everything under control.



Samaritan's Purse, an international relief agency coordinated with Team Rubicon Canada, military veterans and first-responders who deal with disaster relief, showed up out of the blue to help clear some of the debris that littered our property. They didn't stop for days until the property was as close to pristine as possible.

There was a news piece on an arborist, James Carty from Carty Tree Removal who was incensed that some tree removal companies were gouging the victims of the tornado. He made it his mission to help as many people in the area for an amazing rate, us included. He did wonderful work and whatever he could to clear the area, enough where we can eventually plant new trees in the spring.

Richard from Vala Home Improvements has been an invaluable advisor and rock through all this. His expertise is present in every conversation and sage advice.

There are so many stories; people who stepped up in ways that went above and beyond, however two people really stand out for me through all this and I want to take a moment to share with you why. David Roy, our adjuster and Martin Leonard, the assessor, have been extraordinary. They do a great job, yes, but what stands out is how they listen, truly listen to questions and concerns.

This has been a horrific experience in so many ways and after cancer therapy to boot. My energy is at a premium right now. I absolutely trust that they have our well-being in mind. They make sure all the ducks are in a row. I can't imagine how they deal with multiples of what we're going through as so many homes were impacted, but they do. They're totally present when we're talking; responsive to questions and if they don't have the answers, they find them out.

Knowing they have our backs is a huge gift. And so I know I have to be patient for things to come together. We're getting closer. Soon we'll have our contractor confirmed, applications for permits, materials ordered and then the orchestration of it all begins.

The lessons in all this? Well, there are a few. First of all, don't skimp on insurance. Do your homework and make sure, if something like this happens, you have an insurance company that will be there for you.

Pick the people you trust to do the work. There's workmanship and humanship as I call it and if you have people you're dealing with who have both, then you're SO far ahead! I'm experiencing that in abundance.

And most of all, let people help you! There are so many good people there to help. Be grateful for their presence in your life and, sometime in the future, pay it forward.