Downside of being in a hurricane:
Flood waters destroyed half of our home.
Finding out there was also an oil spill across the street that made its way to our property.
Having to find alternate housing for three months because of flood damage.
Alternate housing not paid for by insurance.
Dealing with building inspectors, insurance adjusters, FEMA officials, electricians, plumbers, politicians, contractors, etc. all day long.
Hoping my daughters don’t notice that I never had time to take them back-to-school shopping.
Or get those cute haircuts they wanted.
Trying to explain to my 4-year-old why she can’t just “go home.”
Admitting that I, too, just want to go home.
Upside of Being in a Hurricane:
Watching my girls gleefully buy packets of Hello Kitty gum at the toy store and realize they don’t care about back-to-school clothes or new haircuts.
Unbelievable support from family, friends, Rick’s employers and the community. Begin signing emails… “Your favorite hurricane victim.”
Neighbor finds one of our missing Adirondack chairs in his yard. And since we never got around to washing it all summer, it still looks pretty much the same! Hoping the other chair shows up in the neighborhood.
15-month-old Chase’s excitement over new rental house that has yet to be child proofed. So much fun to be had without those boring baby gates and lame cabinet locks!
12 feet of water in our house finally shut up this stupid irritating talking Elmo.
24 Responses to hurricane irene: the downside and the upside
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kelcey kintner
Kelcey! your attitude is commendable. I think I’d be half way through a bottle of Jack rocking back and forth in a corner. So maybe that’s not far from reality for me but what I am trying to say is….I truly hope these next few months fly by and workers show up on time and kick *ss for you, Rick and your home. Because you are a total kick *ss kind of mama. Best to you and yours.
Hang in there Kelcey. I’m so sorry that Mother Nature’s wrath upended your lives so much. Thinking of you. xoxo
Oh sheesh, Kelcey. Been out of town. That sucks so badly. Is the universe trying to give you blog content?! So sorry about your house. 🙁
I’m sending a new talking Elmo over immediately.
Gathering all the talking Elmos we have and even including a talking Blues Clues. How’s your Barbie inventory?
Kelcey: You are amazing–handling all the mental and physical upheavles with dignity, grace, perspective and a sense of humour. I am very proud of you. love, mom
so great you managed to find some upsides in a situation that pretty much doesn’t have any.
happy back to school to your girls!
You are such a strong woman! you constantly amaze me and you are teaching your girls and Chase so much dealing with this turmoil with a sense of humor and calmness. I wish you continued patience through this long process and keep searching for the small moments of joy that your children provide! If there’s anything a girl in CT can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask! xoxo
So sorry to hear this, glad you are all well!
If there is anything I can do please let me know.
L***
(who is just back from her media fast)
What an attitude! The difficult [understatement] parts of this situation are acknowledged and I’m certain felt deeply, but you seem not to hang out there too long. Go, you! Way to find the positives. [I can cheer this loudly because I’m so NOT in your situation. You really are doing an amazing job.:)]
Such a bummer but impressed with your attitude – not surprised because you always handle things with a laugh, or at least provide us with one!
Good luck!
What a great attitude Kelsey. The kids are going to learn so much from you! You aren’t ignoring what happened, you are facing it. But in facing it you are also realizing what really is important. It is not about WHERE you live, it is about WHO you are living with. You kids will learn that even when bad stuff happens that as a person you can make the best of it & move on. Still making your kids lives great, just not necessarily how you had initially planned it! These skills will get them through times of difficulties that they will face on their journey through life!
They are so lucky to have YOU as their mom!!!
Love your humor. Hate you cannot just be home. Thinking about you and praying that more talking, beeping, motoring, music making toys have also met their maker. xoxo
I feel your pain….been there too, minus the 4 children and a husband. My house smelled like a bait shop for 6 months after my flood. The salty bay waters came through, and a neighbor found fish in his backyard when the water retreated. Now I know why California homes have no basements. Cheer up, ‘this too will pass’. You’ll soon be blogging about sweet sixteens/college graduations and weddings….not to mention being a grandma.
This situation sounds utterly overwhelming, but I do hope you find the time and strength to milk that 12-feet-of-water-destroying-toys dynamic for all it’s possibly worth. Surely there are other Elmo-like toys, terrible movies, and/or hideous t-shirts that could be floated down the street to your neighbors’ yards? Never to return?
Seriously–best of luck to your family in this difficult time.
Tears in my eyes from that comment from your Mom. Truly, Kelcey, you are an amazing mom, person, and writing.
You have such a gift for finding the humor and giving the situation it’s due weight.
xo
Obviously I am an amazing writing too.
WTF.
K – I am awe struck; I had no idea you’d endured all this. I am sorry for you and your family, but you do seem to be handling this beautifully and with some laughs even.
It was all worth it, just to silence the Elmo…
Every cloud has its silver lining. Now I know what to do with our stupid Elmo: drown him.
And in all seriousness, best wishes for you and your family. I can’t imagine how difficult and trying this time is for you, but judging from your posts, you’re handling it all with humor and aplomb. How impressive!
Dear Mama Bird, I just want to give you a hug!
I would have killed the talking elmo WAY before Irene!!!
I thought 5 hours without power was bad, thanks for putting it in perspective, and making this girl laugh sometimes!!!
Wish I could be of more help!!!
Is it any wonder your kids are dealing with all this madness with such grace? Good stuff, mama bird.
You could have mailed me the talking Elmo, you did not have to call for a biblical flood. Still thinking of you and wishing I could offer you our garage apartment. If Idaho ever starts to sound good to you … ahahaha … you just realized that no matter how flooded your house is, Idaho does not sound good to you. Perspective, K, I’m happy to provide it 😉
Elmo! There is a definite upside. Hope you’re home sooner than you think possible.