As many of you know I lived in High River for more than 10 years before moving to Okotoks and my wife was raised in that community.
The devastating flood has been difficult on our friends and family as it has many of yours.
I have survived two major floods in our area before, but nothing prepared me for what I witnessed on the weekend in High River.
After a painfully long wait many High River residents were allowed back into their homes on Saturday.
Not surprisingly there was a small army of volunteers eager to offer their services to homeowners in need of some support in reclaiming their homes.
I joined a small, but determined group of Rotarians who spent the weekend cleaning homes of High River residents who were desperate for help.
They all needed help.
Imagine moving sopping wet furniture through ankle deep muck wearing coveralls, rubber boots and masks in 30-degree heat.
We slipped and slogged through the mud, grime and sewage hauling furniture, wet carpet, heavy not-so-drywall and insulation into any empty spot we could find on the street or yard.
There was not much room.
Strewn across the driveways, sidewalks and cul de sacs of most neighbourhoods in High River are the remnants of everyone’s basements.
High River looks like a community built around a landfill.
It was heartbreaking as you looked and saw residents hunched over exhausted and in shocked disbelief looking at what is left of their home.
I saw what I assumed was a grandmother spreading precious family photos on her lawn surely hoping to salvage something in the hot afternoon sun.
Although the situation looked grim there was plenty of encouragement from friends and neighbours.
It seemed every few minutes perfect strangers were coming by with sandwiches, water and snacks for the weary reclamation crews.
When we took a water break every person who passed by took a moment to stop and say thank-you for helping.
I found it somewhat surreal these people, many of whom are dear friends and former neighbours, would take time to walk over and shake our hands and thank us for being there. All of this despite the devastation they are facing themselves.
Of course we will be there for you. I know if the roles were reversed High River would come to Okotoks’ aid as well.
It was arduous, seemingly unending work, but everyone trudged on.
Inspired by the relentlessness of the homeowners the volunteers worked tirelessly to clean house after house.
It is clear High River is determined this recent disaster will not spell the end their community.
We should not be surprised, High River is not just a town it is their home.
