DAY 7----May 27th (thursday)
The morning dawned with much improvement from my dizziness. Along with the dizzy spells being a lot less I was very glad to take a shower and feel refreshed. I felt like I could face the day with making some kind of plans instead of staying in bed.
The last time the insurance adjudicator called he said there would be a cheque for me at the insurance agency. (I'm not sure if it was tuesday or wednesday).
Two phone calls that morning were good news. One was from the restoration office saying I could go into the apartment and view the damage. The other phone call was from a co-worker (Linda) letting me know that her Uncle & Aunt had a 2 bedroom apartment available in Morden plus it was immediate possession. I knew the couple and so I called them. They were sympathetic in regards to my loss and said they would really like me to take the apartment. (Mrs. Wall may have even said we'd love to have you in there. How sweet). So here was an available apartment suite and it was mine even before I said yes and even before I saw it. We discussed seeing the apartment that day, but a time would have to be determined once I was in Morden. (The Lord was working things out for us. PRAISE THE LORD).
Meanwhile before leaving the house to do my errands Ruby called to see what the conditions were like at the apartment. We discuss seeing the damaged apartment together. I didn't want to go in by myself and it was something we needed to do together because we knew it wouldn't be a pretty sight. Plus I was also able to give her the good news about the other apartment.
My first errand that day was to go to the insurance agency for my cheque and deposit it into my bank account. I was very glad that I was able to function and I felt safe driving the car on my own (no driver needed). The cheque was a large amount for the many immediate belongings we would need, it definitely would help.
Before going into Morden I also needed to buy hard hats and rubber boots. This was a requirement from the restoration office for when we were going into the apartment. When I got into Morden I picked Ruby up from the school. Next stop was the apartment and I was nervous. We find a security guard and check with him about entering our suite. As we go inside and to our suite I asked Ruby "ARE YOU READY TO SEE IT?", The security guard opens the door and leaves us alone as we go in. I can hardly describe what we saw next, it was almost unbelievable. I think I was more overwhelmed by the damage then Ruby was. So much was just charcoal black from the fire and very little was in its orginal place. If the items weren't fire damaged they were smoke or water damaged.
(Here are some examples of what it looked like. The TV was totally melted down and the VCR & DVD players were melted together as well (they were individual units) since it was all in the direct line of fire. The recliner's fabric was burnt to a crisp with the coils showing and the sofa was just as bad. Any type of plastic was melted or quite shrivelled depending on the level of the heat and its location. The freezer's coils were visible from the outside. The kitchen cupboard doors were blown off. In the bathroom the shower curtain had melted and fallen into the tub, but the bath towels were still hanging on the shower rod in one piece. In Ruby's bedroom the window shades were shrivelled as well from the intensity of the heat. Our clothes were all smoke filled along with water damage. Our shoes that we had at the entrance were nowhere in sight. It literally was a disaster zone.)
A person from the restoration crew was assigned to our suite, but I had just missed that person by about 30 minutes. I didn't know where to start so we just looked at what we could and took some pictures. We didn't remove anything from the apartment that day. We went back outside and I made a phone call to the restoration office. I was informed that the crew would be back the next day and that someone would call me when they were at the apartment. So that was the extent of our viewing of the apartment. I let the security guard know we were done for the day and that the door could be locked up again. Another thing tenants were informed about was about our mail. The post office was holding our mail and we would have to go in and ask for it.
After seeing the apartment I brought Ruby back to school and discuss what I would do on friday. I also wanted to know how she was doing and how her subjects were scheduled. There were some tests or classes that she couldn't miss on friday so she wouldn't be able to leave until those were done.
Then I call Mr & Mrs. Wall to see when they would be in Morden so that I could see the apartment.
The new apartment was a ground level suite with no stairs except for the outside step into the apartment. Wall's greeted me as I enter the apartment. The thing that appealed to me right away was the size of the kitchen & counter space and I was quite certain that Ruby would like it as well. The bedrooms were a reasonable size, the bathroom was adequate plus there was a nice open area between the bedrooms & bathroom. The storage room had several shelves and a storage cupboard which we could use if needed. The living room looked narrow to me so I thought it might be a bit of a challenge to arrange furniture when the time came. The laundry room wasn't in my suite so I would have to step out to go to the laundry room which was located in the middle of the apartment building. Everyone had their own entrance, no joining hallway. We discuss rent and a few other things, so my decision was YES I'll take it and when could we move in. (moving in with nothing really). They gave me the keys and we were free to move in immediately if we wanted to.
After I was finished in Morden I headed back to Diedrich & Judy's. This time I was able to enjoy a good supper with them at the table. Plus the medication was working and I was starting to feel much better, but still made sure I didn't make any fast moves. I also enjoyed the grandchildren's company as I was up and around them. I discuss my day with them and how things had turned out at both apartments.
In all it was a bittersweet day. Seeing the fire damage was overwhelming and yet securing a new apartment the same day was a blessing and an answer to prayer. THANK YOU LORD for providing in such a timely matter. So much to be thankful for even in these difficult times.
It was a tiring day due to all the emotions so when it was bedtime sleep came quite easily. This was going to be my last night at Diedrich & Judy's. Goodnight.
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Gloomy & Miserable Weather; PLUS
DAY FOUR----May 24th (Victoria Day)
The day started off cloudy with very little sunshine and the weather forecast wasn't promising much sunshine. Regardless of the weather we still had a restful sleep during the night.
I had started making a list of my belongings and little did I know how long my list was going to be.
We had an appointment to see an apartment at noon and we had a few options as to which suite we would like. The only thing was that they weren't immediate possession and the one was only temporary. Plus others were looking too and I didn't have first option.
After looking at the apartment we get something from Tim Horton's. Tim Horton's sure became a regular stop for us. We also check with a friend to see if we could use her computer for a little bit.
Since it was a holiday there wasn't much we could do so we headed back to Roland. It had started raining quite a bit while we were in Morden.
The next time the adjudicator called he commented on how calm I had been on saturday. I told him that I had my moments. Again he kept me informed on things before & after we were allowed into the apartment.
We didn't see the inside of the apartment on Victoria Day.
After supper I took Ruby to her friends house close to Morden. She needed to stay somewhere in or close to Morden so that she could continue going to school. As I talk to her friends mother the offer was given to me that I could stay there for the night as well. I declined because I really felt more comfortable staying with family. The next morning I was very glad I had made that decision.
The rest of the evening was a relaxing time with watching a movie. Bedtime came before midnight since I needed to work in the morning.
DAY FIVE----May 25th (tuesday)
As a rule I was able to sleep right through the night before getting up for the day. That night I needed to get up to use the bathroom and the minute I sat up the room was spinning (I was feeling dizzy). I immedialely laid down and the dizziness subsided. I tried getting up several times, but each time the dizzy spell was so severe I couldn't even focus on the doorway. Finally I managed with great difficulty to get myself to the bathroom and then back to bed. As I flop myself back on the bed the dizziness subsides, plus it was better to lay on my right side. I was hoping it would go away by 7 so I could get myself ready for work, but if it didn't I would have to call in sick. The dizziness didn't go away and so I called in sick.
Then when Judy came into the bedroom to pick her daughter up from the crib I told her that I wasn't going to work & why. Judy asked if she should take me to the clinic or hospital. I told her I would try to sleep it off first. I did sleep on and off almost all day, but it really didn't take the dizziness away. I guess my body was reacting to the stress & turmoil of the fire. After a few hours I asked Judy for some water & crackers and stayed in bed all day. I literally couldn't function and making any attempts in getting up just resulted in being dizzy.
(Since the bedroom was on the second floor I didn't hear much noise from the grandchildren at all. I'm glad they were too young to realize what was going on. Plus the cat was my companion that day, which was kind of soothing to a point.)
During the course of the day the adjudicator calls and says no one is allowed into the apartment yet because of the rainy & windy conditions. The conditions made it unsafe for people to enter the apartment. I also told him how I was feeling and said I wasn't going anywhere. Another call was from the lead person of the restoration crew and he also confirmed the state of the apartment (not safe to enter). [I will explain more on this in another post.] They both said take care and rest, just do what's needed in order to get better.
I also text my sister Anne (our family nurse) and told her how I was feeling. Anna suggested some medication that a doctor would perscribe.
Around supper time Diedrich comes up to check on me and asked how I was feeling. There wasn't much change from the morning so he said if it didn't improve in a few hours then one of them would take me to the hospital. Judy was hosting a tupperware party that evening and I would have liked to participate, but it wasn't possible.
My son Phillip & a few of his friends came to their house later that evening as well. Phillip jokingly said "mom don't worry." I told him "I'm not". It must have been around 11 or later when Judy took me to the hospital. The waiting time wasn't too long at the hospital. I explained the situation to the doctor and he checked my ears. He said it was an inner ear imbalance and perscribed some medication. It was exactly the medication my sister had mentioned. I really don't know if it was an inner ear problem and if it was did the stress bring it on. (My view on it was that I crashed due to the stress). They also gave me a pill of some kind at the hospital that was suppose to help with the dizziness until I had my perscription filled.
Judy drove the car up close to the entrance so I didn't have to walk very far. (I wonder if some people would have thought that I was drunk with the way I was walking. Believe me I wasn't). Glad that there were very few patients at the hospital. During the drive to and from the hospital I kept my eyes closed and even when the car took a turn it made me feel dizzy.
Once we're back at the house I went straight to bed. I had no problem sleeping even with the amount of sleep that I had during the day. My prayer that night was that the Lord would make me feel better, so I could function again.
DAY SIX ----- May 26th (wednesday)
Morning comes and I still don't feel the best. The dizziness is still around so I call into work again and I tell Sara (office gal) that I won't be coming to work. The doctor had said it could take a few days for it to clear up so its best that I take the rest of the week off. (It meant they had to fill in my shifts with someone else, which was a bit of a challenge, but they made due). I had no intentions in taking the whole week off, but God knew best. He was working things out at the moment even though I didn't see it.
After breakfast Judy takes me intoWinkler to the pharmacy so I can get my medication. The medication had a possibility of some side effects, but thankfully it didn't bother me.
Once we're back at the house again I eat something as I take the medication. It meant timing my eating with the medication. I go back to bed and practically sleep the day away. The fact that I could hardly function was something I had never experienced in my life. (I don't want to experience it again either if at all possible).
I also called Helen and told her I wouldn't be at Bible Study that evening.
I did have a radio in my room so listening to it on occasion did help to pass the time away.
Glad I had my cell as a communication device for family & friends plus the insurance adjudicator & restoration person were able to contact me quickly.
Eating wasn't a priority for me during the time that I was flat in bed, but still needed something for the medication. At supper time Diedrich brought up a bowl of food for me. I did eat a little bit, but not everything.
Later that evening I did venture downstairs into the living room, but for a very short time.
When I went back into the bedroom I was ready for the night and didn't have a problem falling asleep.
So during these 2 days of being in bed I slept alot, PRAYED in between during my waking time and was really hoping I'd be up on my feet soon.
I was also able to contact Ruby during these last 2 days so that she knew what was going on.
So with being in bed a lot I also didn't know how the weather had been except through what Diedrich & Judy had said & the phone calls from the adjudicator & restoration man. The weather had really taken a toll on the apartment and they were trying to secure it so that the tenants could go in safely to view the damage. So here we were on day 5 already after the fire and no one had been able to go into the apartment with the exception of maybe a few in the least damaged area which was at the west end of the apartment.
In closing this post I would like to share a bible verse that I probably thought about during the time I was flat in bed. Romans 8:26 "LIKEWISE THE SPIRIT ALSO HELPETH OR INFIRMITIES: FOR WE KNOW NOT WHAT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR AS WE OUGHT; BUT THE SPIRIT ITSELF MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED." Then there is also a promise in the same chapter verse 28 "AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE." King James Version.
The day started off cloudy with very little sunshine and the weather forecast wasn't promising much sunshine. Regardless of the weather we still had a restful sleep during the night.
I had started making a list of my belongings and little did I know how long my list was going to be.
We had an appointment to see an apartment at noon and we had a few options as to which suite we would like. The only thing was that they weren't immediate possession and the one was only temporary. Plus others were looking too and I didn't have first option.
After looking at the apartment we get something from Tim Horton's. Tim Horton's sure became a regular stop for us. We also check with a friend to see if we could use her computer for a little bit.
Since it was a holiday there wasn't much we could do so we headed back to Roland. It had started raining quite a bit while we were in Morden.
The next time the adjudicator called he commented on how calm I had been on saturday. I told him that I had my moments. Again he kept me informed on things before & after we were allowed into the apartment.
We didn't see the inside of the apartment on Victoria Day.
After supper I took Ruby to her friends house close to Morden. She needed to stay somewhere in or close to Morden so that she could continue going to school. As I talk to her friends mother the offer was given to me that I could stay there for the night as well. I declined because I really felt more comfortable staying with family. The next morning I was very glad I had made that decision.
The rest of the evening was a relaxing time with watching a movie. Bedtime came before midnight since I needed to work in the morning.
DAY FIVE----May 25th (tuesday)
As a rule I was able to sleep right through the night before getting up for the day. That night I needed to get up to use the bathroom and the minute I sat up the room was spinning (I was feeling dizzy). I immedialely laid down and the dizziness subsided. I tried getting up several times, but each time the dizzy spell was so severe I couldn't even focus on the doorway. Finally I managed with great difficulty to get myself to the bathroom and then back to bed. As I flop myself back on the bed the dizziness subsides, plus it was better to lay on my right side. I was hoping it would go away by 7 so I could get myself ready for work, but if it didn't I would have to call in sick. The dizziness didn't go away and so I called in sick.
Then when Judy came into the bedroom to pick her daughter up from the crib I told her that I wasn't going to work & why. Judy asked if she should take me to the clinic or hospital. I told her I would try to sleep it off first. I did sleep on and off almost all day, but it really didn't take the dizziness away. I guess my body was reacting to the stress & turmoil of the fire. After a few hours I asked Judy for some water & crackers and stayed in bed all day. I literally couldn't function and making any attempts in getting up just resulted in being dizzy.
(Since the bedroom was on the second floor I didn't hear much noise from the grandchildren at all. I'm glad they were too young to realize what was going on. Plus the cat was my companion that day, which was kind of soothing to a point.)
During the course of the day the adjudicator calls and says no one is allowed into the apartment yet because of the rainy & windy conditions. The conditions made it unsafe for people to enter the apartment. I also told him how I was feeling and said I wasn't going anywhere. Another call was from the lead person of the restoration crew and he also confirmed the state of the apartment (not safe to enter). [I will explain more on this in another post.] They both said take care and rest, just do what's needed in order to get better.
I also text my sister Anne (our family nurse) and told her how I was feeling. Anna suggested some medication that a doctor would perscribe.
Around supper time Diedrich comes up to check on me and asked how I was feeling. There wasn't much change from the morning so he said if it didn't improve in a few hours then one of them would take me to the hospital. Judy was hosting a tupperware party that evening and I would have liked to participate, but it wasn't possible.
My son Phillip & a few of his friends came to their house later that evening as well. Phillip jokingly said "mom don't worry." I told him "I'm not". It must have been around 11 or later when Judy took me to the hospital. The waiting time wasn't too long at the hospital. I explained the situation to the doctor and he checked my ears. He said it was an inner ear imbalance and perscribed some medication. It was exactly the medication my sister had mentioned. I really don't know if it was an inner ear problem and if it was did the stress bring it on. (My view on it was that I crashed due to the stress). They also gave me a pill of some kind at the hospital that was suppose to help with the dizziness until I had my perscription filled.
Judy drove the car up close to the entrance so I didn't have to walk very far. (I wonder if some people would have thought that I was drunk with the way I was walking. Believe me I wasn't). Glad that there were very few patients at the hospital. During the drive to and from the hospital I kept my eyes closed and even when the car took a turn it made me feel dizzy.
Once we're back at the house I went straight to bed. I had no problem sleeping even with the amount of sleep that I had during the day. My prayer that night was that the Lord would make me feel better, so I could function again.
DAY SIX ----- May 26th (wednesday)
Morning comes and I still don't feel the best. The dizziness is still around so I call into work again and I tell Sara (office gal) that I won't be coming to work. The doctor had said it could take a few days for it to clear up so its best that I take the rest of the week off. (It meant they had to fill in my shifts with someone else, which was a bit of a challenge, but they made due). I had no intentions in taking the whole week off, but God knew best. He was working things out at the moment even though I didn't see it.
After breakfast Judy takes me intoWinkler to the pharmacy so I can get my medication. The medication had a possibility of some side effects, but thankfully it didn't bother me.
Once we're back at the house again I eat something as I take the medication. It meant timing my eating with the medication. I go back to bed and practically sleep the day away. The fact that I could hardly function was something I had never experienced in my life. (I don't want to experience it again either if at all possible).
I also called Helen and told her I wouldn't be at Bible Study that evening.
I did have a radio in my room so listening to it on occasion did help to pass the time away.
Glad I had my cell as a communication device for family & friends plus the insurance adjudicator & restoration person were able to contact me quickly.
Eating wasn't a priority for me during the time that I was flat in bed, but still needed something for the medication. At supper time Diedrich brought up a bowl of food for me. I did eat a little bit, but not everything.
Later that evening I did venture downstairs into the living room, but for a very short time.
When I went back into the bedroom I was ready for the night and didn't have a problem falling asleep.
So during these 2 days of being in bed I slept alot, PRAYED in between during my waking time and was really hoping I'd be up on my feet soon.
I was also able to contact Ruby during these last 2 days so that she knew what was going on.
So with being in bed a lot I also didn't know how the weather had been except through what Diedrich & Judy had said & the phone calls from the adjudicator & restoration man. The weather had really taken a toll on the apartment and they were trying to secure it so that the tenants could go in safely to view the damage. So here we were on day 5 already after the fire and no one had been able to go into the apartment with the exception of maybe a few in the least damaged area which was at the west end of the apartment.
In closing this post I would like to share a bible verse that I probably thought about during the time I was flat in bed. Romans 8:26 "LIKEWISE THE SPIRIT ALSO HELPETH OR INFIRMITIES: FOR WE KNOW NOT WHAT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR AS WE OUGHT; BUT THE SPIRIT ITSELF MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED." Then there is also a promise in the same chapter verse 28 "AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE." King James Version.
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Family Time (Sunday)
DAY THREE --- May 23rd (SUNDAY)
It was the beginning of the third day after the fire plus it was Sunday. I was looking forward to a day of some relaxation and spending time with family & Church family. One thing that was not normal for me that Sunday was going to Church in slacks instead of a dress or skirt set. We had several visitors in Church that Sunday and I was glad my sister & brother-in-law (James & Bertha) had come out from Steinbach to take in the service and morale support for us. It was good to get a sisterly hug & we shared some tears as well. Besides me there were 2 more ladies in Church that were in the same apartment. It was good to see them that morning as well and all were doing well. In fact one of them had got a place already just 1 day after the fire. The Lord was working in our midst.
One of the first announcements that morning was in regards to the fire.
(The media "radio & newspaper" had reported quite a bit already about the fire. I was oblivious as to what was being reported due to the fact that I wasn't really listening to the radio and didn't take time to get a newspaper. I also never contacted anyone from the press.)
The Church bulletin had this announcement (*DONATIONS FOR FIRE VICTIMS "OTHER THAN OUR OWN MEMBERS" SHOULD GO TO B & D MUSIC OR MORDEN FRIENDSHIP CENTER. PLEASE CALL THEM IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR SEE DANSELLE.)
Pastor Lyle opened with a prayer for the fire victims. The morning message was on Matthew 24:1-3. (I came across Church bulletin at the time of writing this post).
Details of the message I don't remember since I didn't write down any notes plus my mind may not have been totally concentrating on the message the whole time. Singing songs from a Hymnal is always food for the soul (at least for me it is). I'm sure we sang songs that morning that were an encouragement for me & one of those songs may have been "THE COMFORTER HAS COME". After the service we talked with a few more people.
I had not seen the apartment since friday noon so I didn't know what they had done for security on the building. James & Bertha wanted to see it as well so then we walked over since it was only 2 blocks from the Church. The apartment building was boarded up along with yellow tape around the building, a white tarp was on the third floor due to an open roof and security people were assigned to the site. We didn't know when we'd be allowed into the building and since it was Victoria weekend, it might only happen on tuesday.
We walk back to our vehicles and James & Bertha hand over some things from them and their family. Along with the supplies was a THINKING OF YOU card that my niece & great niece made, very precious & thoughtful. We said our good-bye and thanked everyone.
Plans for Sunday lunch was a picnic lunch in the park with my daughter & son-in-law (Melody & Ryan) & granddaughter & my son Phillip. The weather was fairly nice that day for a picnic. Again it was good to be surrounded by family for part of Sunday and have a leisurely picnic lunch. It was also a good opportunity to take some pictures, especially of granddaughter. After lunch we all went for a walk back to the apartment for Melody & Ryan & Phillip to see the damage. This time as we're walking around the apartment we also take pictures of it. We also talk to one of the security men and I introduce my family to him since I knew him from several years ago. As we're talking it crossed my mind that he (security man) had been injured in a house fire many years ago and we briefly talk about it.
Before my family heads back home to Wpg I show them a new apartment in town that I had a viewing appointment for on monday.
We still had some time to spare before evening service after we said good-bye, so we get something from Tim Horton's and drive over to Stanley Park. While we're waiting inside at Tim's another couple approach us and ask how we're doing,
At Stanley Park I look for a spot to park the car so we can get a little bit of rest and away from other people. Thankfully the weather was holding out, but it had showered a bit in the afternoon.
After the evening service we head back to Roland and wait for Diedrich & Judy to get home. A bonfire in their back yard was another event of the day and close to the end of the day.
Daily events from the day of the fire definitely were out of the norm for us. We couldn't set a routine since everything was so uncertain until we had our own place, but even then it would take awhile for life to feel normal. Besides a routine I had to adjust to not wearing my glasses which I had got just 2 months prior to the fire & since I was still adjusting to the glasses I was managing quite well without them.
To close the day I'm very thankful for the support from family & Church family.
Thank you Lord for a day of rest. Goodnight.
It was the beginning of the third day after the fire plus it was Sunday. I was looking forward to a day of some relaxation and spending time with family & Church family. One thing that was not normal for me that Sunday was going to Church in slacks instead of a dress or skirt set. We had several visitors in Church that Sunday and I was glad my sister & brother-in-law (James & Bertha) had come out from Steinbach to take in the service and morale support for us. It was good to get a sisterly hug & we shared some tears as well. Besides me there were 2 more ladies in Church that were in the same apartment. It was good to see them that morning as well and all were doing well. In fact one of them had got a place already just 1 day after the fire. The Lord was working in our midst.
One of the first announcements that morning was in regards to the fire.
(The media "radio & newspaper" had reported quite a bit already about the fire. I was oblivious as to what was being reported due to the fact that I wasn't really listening to the radio and didn't take time to get a newspaper. I also never contacted anyone from the press.)
The Church bulletin had this announcement (*DONATIONS FOR FIRE VICTIMS "OTHER THAN OUR OWN MEMBERS" SHOULD GO TO B & D MUSIC OR MORDEN FRIENDSHIP CENTER. PLEASE CALL THEM IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR SEE DANSELLE.)
Pastor Lyle opened with a prayer for the fire victims. The morning message was on Matthew 24:1-3. (I came across Church bulletin at the time of writing this post).
Details of the message I don't remember since I didn't write down any notes plus my mind may not have been totally concentrating on the message the whole time. Singing songs from a Hymnal is always food for the soul (at least for me it is). I'm sure we sang songs that morning that were an encouragement for me & one of those songs may have been "THE COMFORTER HAS COME". After the service we talked with a few more people.
I had not seen the apartment since friday noon so I didn't know what they had done for security on the building. James & Bertha wanted to see it as well so then we walked over since it was only 2 blocks from the Church. The apartment building was boarded up along with yellow tape around the building, a white tarp was on the third floor due to an open roof and security people were assigned to the site. We didn't know when we'd be allowed into the building and since it was Victoria weekend, it might only happen on tuesday.
We walk back to our vehicles and James & Bertha hand over some things from them and their family. Along with the supplies was a THINKING OF YOU card that my niece & great niece made, very precious & thoughtful. We said our good-bye and thanked everyone.
Plans for Sunday lunch was a picnic lunch in the park with my daughter & son-in-law (Melody & Ryan) & granddaughter & my son Phillip. The weather was fairly nice that day for a picnic. Again it was good to be surrounded by family for part of Sunday and have a leisurely picnic lunch. It was also a good opportunity to take some pictures, especially of granddaughter. After lunch we all went for a walk back to the apartment for Melody & Ryan & Phillip to see the damage. This time as we're walking around the apartment we also take pictures of it. We also talk to one of the security men and I introduce my family to him since I knew him from several years ago. As we're talking it crossed my mind that he (security man) had been injured in a house fire many years ago and we briefly talk about it.
Before my family heads back home to Wpg I show them a new apartment in town that I had a viewing appointment for on monday.
We still had some time to spare before evening service after we said good-bye, so we get something from Tim Horton's and drive over to Stanley Park. While we're waiting inside at Tim's another couple approach us and ask how we're doing,
At Stanley Park I look for a spot to park the car so we can get a little bit of rest and away from other people. Thankfully the weather was holding out, but it had showered a bit in the afternoon.
After the evening service we head back to Roland and wait for Diedrich & Judy to get home. A bonfire in their back yard was another event of the day and close to the end of the day.
Daily events from the day of the fire definitely were out of the norm for us. We couldn't set a routine since everything was so uncertain until we had our own place, but even then it would take awhile for life to feel normal. Besides a routine I had to adjust to not wearing my glasses which I had got just 2 months prior to the fire & since I was still adjusting to the glasses I was managing quite well without them.
To close the day I'm very thankful for the support from family & Church family.
Thank you Lord for a day of rest. Goodnight.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Coping.... little by little
DAY TWO---saturday May 22nd/10
The start of another day of uncertainty in regards to the state of my apartment suite & belongings.
I was glad I didn't have to be at work at 8:30 in the morning, so I was able to get a proper amount of sleep. My thoughts were on the fire a lot as I fell asleep last night and also when I woke up. So often the questions of WHAT IF, WHAT IF entered my mind along with other unpleasant thoughts. Its those kinds of thoughts that I really had to work at and just ask the Lord to keep me calm. Thankfully Ruby and myself didn't have nightmares about it.
Being around the grandchildren was a good distraction, plus their Siamese cat warmed up to us quite a bit as well.
The insurance adjudicator called again and so I was able to arrange something with him that day. I decided against meeting with him at the apartment since I knew we would be busy at CT and so he was willing to come to the store after inspecting the apartment suite.
I started making a few phone calls in regards to other housing, but wasn't very successful.
Then before going to work I made another short shopping trip at Wal Mart. As I pull onto the parking lot a friend calls to see if I'd be interested in talking to the press (Free Press or The Sun). The Press wanted to talk to someone that had more damage or loss. My friend gave me some phone numbers, but said it was up to me and that she had not given them my name or phone number. I explained to her what my day would be like and I wasn't sure if I would have time to talk to them.
Being at work and being kept busy was probably the best for me at the time. Since the cashier at cash #1 was finished when I started my shift I decided to step into cash #1 until after my supper break. The cashiers in customer service probably realized I didn't want to be in C.S until I had to... plus when the insurance adjudicator came in I would have to slip away for awhile.
The only customers that knew what I was experiencing were the ones that knew where I lived.
A tenant from the apartment and on the same floor as me came through my check out. He recognized me from the apartment and vise versa, so we exchanged some words to see how each other were doing.
Another pleasant surprise was from another friend that didn't live in the area, but came shopping at CT that day. They too knew about the fire and gave some encouraging words and said they'd be praying for us. Something that reaffirmed my thoughts knowing that people were praying.
As I'm kept busy serving customers I'm anxiously waiting for the insurance adjudicator to call and say when he'd be at the store. As soon as he called I called my son (Diedrich) to let him know when the adjudicator would be at the store. Diedrich & Judy, grandchildren & Ruby got to the store just shortly before the adjudicator showed up.
I excuse myself from cash and we go to the customer lounge area to discuss the fire damage. The lounge was a place away from customers and we could talk freely. I also introduced my family to the adjudicator. The adjudicator had taken pictures of my suite and so we were able to see some of the damage, but pictures can be deceiving. The news wasn't good, it was being documented as total loss. At the moment we didn't know when we'd be able to go back into the apartment to see the loss for ourselves and to see if anything could be salvaged. I was glad that Diedrich & Judy had come because Diedrich asked some questions that I hadn't thought of or may have missed, plus the adjudicator welcomed their attendance & questions. He commented on their support. As we discuss the fire loss I felt comfortable & at ease with the adjudicator that he'd take care of things, keep me informed & that I could trust him in what he was saying. (He proved himself in the weeks & months ahead.) The adjudicator also confirmed what we heard as to what started the fire, it was a cigarette butt disposed of improperly on the patio below our suite. After we were done with our meeting I calmly go back to cash. Again my calm state wasn't in my own strength. My faith was in the Lord.
So now I knew what I was up against and needed to make a list of my belongings.
A scribbler definitely was a necessity for what I needed to write down.
My family continued on with their day and I finished my scheduled shift which was till 9 p.m.(closing).
As I'm relaxing a bit at Diedrich & Judy's I think of my recliner which I made good use of after a busy day at work. It was good to be with family though in a time like this.
(Another daily routine would be using the computer before going to bed. Now it was something I couldn't do since Diedrich & Judy didn't have a computer. So I posted some things on facebook from work computer during my breaks,)
We discuss a few more things before going to bed for the night and also what plans they had for Sunday.
Time for bed and sleep didn't come as quickly that night as it did the night before. My thoughts were all over the place and yet eventually sleep did come. Goodnight.
The start of another day of uncertainty in regards to the state of my apartment suite & belongings.
I was glad I didn't have to be at work at 8:30 in the morning, so I was able to get a proper amount of sleep. My thoughts were on the fire a lot as I fell asleep last night and also when I woke up. So often the questions of WHAT IF, WHAT IF entered my mind along with other unpleasant thoughts. Its those kinds of thoughts that I really had to work at and just ask the Lord to keep me calm. Thankfully Ruby and myself didn't have nightmares about it.
Being around the grandchildren was a good distraction, plus their Siamese cat warmed up to us quite a bit as well.
The insurance adjudicator called again and so I was able to arrange something with him that day. I decided against meeting with him at the apartment since I knew we would be busy at CT and so he was willing to come to the store after inspecting the apartment suite.
I started making a few phone calls in regards to other housing, but wasn't very successful.
Then before going to work I made another short shopping trip at Wal Mart. As I pull onto the parking lot a friend calls to see if I'd be interested in talking to the press (Free Press or The Sun). The Press wanted to talk to someone that had more damage or loss. My friend gave me some phone numbers, but said it was up to me and that she had not given them my name or phone number. I explained to her what my day would be like and I wasn't sure if I would have time to talk to them.
Being at work and being kept busy was probably the best for me at the time. Since the cashier at cash #1 was finished when I started my shift I decided to step into cash #1 until after my supper break. The cashiers in customer service probably realized I didn't want to be in C.S until I had to... plus when the insurance adjudicator came in I would have to slip away for awhile.
The only customers that knew what I was experiencing were the ones that knew where I lived.
A tenant from the apartment and on the same floor as me came through my check out. He recognized me from the apartment and vise versa, so we exchanged some words to see how each other were doing.
Another pleasant surprise was from another friend that didn't live in the area, but came shopping at CT that day. They too knew about the fire and gave some encouraging words and said they'd be praying for us. Something that reaffirmed my thoughts knowing that people were praying.
As I'm kept busy serving customers I'm anxiously waiting for the insurance adjudicator to call and say when he'd be at the store. As soon as he called I called my son (Diedrich) to let him know when the adjudicator would be at the store. Diedrich & Judy, grandchildren & Ruby got to the store just shortly before the adjudicator showed up.
I excuse myself from cash and we go to the customer lounge area to discuss the fire damage. The lounge was a place away from customers and we could talk freely. I also introduced my family to the adjudicator. The adjudicator had taken pictures of my suite and so we were able to see some of the damage, but pictures can be deceiving. The news wasn't good, it was being documented as total loss. At the moment we didn't know when we'd be able to go back into the apartment to see the loss for ourselves and to see if anything could be salvaged. I was glad that Diedrich & Judy had come because Diedrich asked some questions that I hadn't thought of or may have missed, plus the adjudicator welcomed their attendance & questions. He commented on their support. As we discuss the fire loss I felt comfortable & at ease with the adjudicator that he'd take care of things, keep me informed & that I could trust him in what he was saying. (He proved himself in the weeks & months ahead.) The adjudicator also confirmed what we heard as to what started the fire, it was a cigarette butt disposed of improperly on the patio below our suite. After we were done with our meeting I calmly go back to cash. Again my calm state wasn't in my own strength. My faith was in the Lord.
So now I knew what I was up against and needed to make a list of my belongings.
A scribbler definitely was a necessity for what I needed to write down.
My family continued on with their day and I finished my scheduled shift which was till 9 p.m.(closing).
As I'm relaxing a bit at Diedrich & Judy's I think of my recliner which I made good use of after a busy day at work. It was good to be with family though in a time like this.
(Another daily routine would be using the computer before going to bed. Now it was something I couldn't do since Diedrich & Judy didn't have a computer. So I posted some things on facebook from work computer during my breaks,)
We discuss a few more things before going to bed for the night and also what plans they had for Sunday.
Time for bed and sleep didn't come as quickly that night as it did the night before. My thoughts were all over the place and yet eventually sleep did come. Goodnight.
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