This to that and maybe back again

This is our normal stream bed and the pile is what was pulled out of the house basement at the entrance to our sub-division

This is another part of the stream further down the road and part of what happened to the least hit hard section of the street it helped to flood.

All of these photographs were taken early this morning. I have chosen not to take photographs of the worst affected areas of town. Too challenging, plus I want to be respectful of the many serious loses that have been suffered.

We are on temporary phone services. When I started out on my walk this one was in place. When I returned they had just switched shifts and another one was in place. Each unit is manned.

Other utility workers arriving to set things in motion for the day at the "lighter" damaged end of Sawyer Brown.
This has been a week of contrasts.
Thankful that we did nor receive serious damage and were available to be out in the community to help wherever needed. Sorrow at the devastation and loss to so many people.
Grateful that few people died but also mindful of the many who knew those that did.
Grateful that so many people came to help save what they could in quick fashion. Thankful for their up-beat attitudes as they got mucky, and stinky and provided relief.
Haunted by the look in the eyes of an elderly gentleman sitting on his porch with nothing left.
Thankful for wonderful weather that is aiding the cleanup.
Awed by what I saw as I did delivery runs round 3 or 4 areas of our town and saw the magnitude of the tasks ahead.
One of the questions asked a lot over the past few days by puzzled people. "How did it manage to happen so fast? It did not look like much was going to happen then all of a sudden water everywhere."
The whole experience will teach us all how to be effectively prepared for disasters, big or small, that's for sure. The realities as opposed to the theory. What areas we each need to better prepare in, what we are already doing fine with. Will it change our perspectives towards self and others, or will we return to what we were before (whatever that was.)