Well now, what can you say when you have been in a community
that suffered through a “natural
disaster” except it SUCKED!!!
The quote that has been tossed around by those in the
apparent know about how to deal with such things is that we, of Cache Creek
need to adjust and accept the “new normal”.
That’s just fantastic, you can take the “new normal” and
dispose of it off yonder on Campbell Hill for all I care! The new normal...a political correct way of
saying sorry about your loss, now deal with it... sucks!
Well thanks, we are
accepting it and dealing with it! This
little village has pulled together with such character, stamina and get ‘er
done mentality that it makes me so proud to call this community my HOME. For better or worse this is where I want to
be.
Friends that I have known for just a couple of years and
some for just a few weeks have lost so much.
No amount of money small or great can replace memories, and items that
have sentimental value. There is no
getting over that kind of loss. There is
also the loss of trust. Trust in solid
earth, roads that don’t cave in, water that does not take everything away and homes
that don’t fall apart. That trust was
severely broken. Then when things seem
to be at their worst you get word from your insurance company whom you have
paid premiums to for years, decades etc that due to this being an “act of God”
your home you have worked so hard to manage, protect and care for is not
covered. Act of God! Like God would say hey, Cache Creek take
this! Seriously? It was a triple threat storm that leashed its
forces on this desert community. Severe
thunder/hail storms crashing over a very dry area combined with hail the size
of marbles and more precipitation following in a 2-3 hour period then we get in
months! God is definitely not to blame
(I am sure everyone has their own beliefs, however; in my little opinion
sometimes things just happen!)
So, here we are a month later. Clean up is still happening around the
community. The one thing I have
witnessed about this amazing, caring community is that no one wants help until
their neighbour has been helped first!
People that have lost the most were out helping others dig out their
belongings. Friends who were already
busy volunteering and helping in the community stepped up even further to
provide emergency services, clean up, shelter, clothing and care to those who
needed it more. Disaster and crisis can bring out the best in others and the worst. Fortunately, I have witnessed firsthand a lot of the best. Neighbours helping neighbours, and strangers dropping everything to travel many kilometers to help those in need. Companies and corporations have been giving funds to a community in despair. Residents with very little giving what they can to help others. Families, and friends working tirelessly to help restore loved ones homes to the best that they can. Citizens extending a helping hand any way they can. Cache Creek you are an amazing, and caring community.
I have been through a lot of personal tragedy and drama in my life but I have never been through this kind of emotional, physical and spiritual testing as I have in going through and seeing others try to cope with the outcome of this natural disaster. Not one person in this whole entire community was unaffected in one way or another. Yes, this too will pass. Homes will be rebuilt, gardens will be dug out and replaced, roads rebuilt, parks restored and we will carry on, but the memory of going through such a terrifying ordeal will live on. Thunderstorms, rain, and hail will never be or feel the same...
However; the show must go on so....
Donations are still being collected to help those who suffered extensive losses to their homes and properties to be able to rebuild and recover.
Please see http://www.cachecreekvillage.com/ for the online fundraiser.
Also check out http://cacheaid.com/ a very cool event featuring Tribute bands on July 3rd (ABBA & Fleetwood Mac) and July 4th (Guns&Roses, Aerosmith & ACDC).
I would like to personally thank the Cache Creek Volunteer
Fire Department, RCMP, ESS crew, The Cache Creek Council & Mayor Ranta, the
countless volunteers, friends, businesses and residents who stepped up, came
forward and did their best to help those of this incredible community! You are all what makes this community home
and for that I thank you! J
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