I am teary-eyed today. I think the shock and disbelief has worn off. I have been blown away by those coming in from the outside to help. Oh how my faith in humanity is affirmed and well-placed by the response from others to this devastating flood that is devouring Southern Alberta. Below some unconfirmed stats.
- 2500 troops have been deployed to many areas to do whatever is needed to help communities affected by the flooding.
- 300 Reservists are on standby in Calgary
- 100 Edmonton police have come here to help.
- dozens of leisure centres and Legions have opened their doors to provide shelter and food to displaced citizens.
- The City of Calgary’s Mayor, Aldermen, first responders, health providers, social agencies are working long hours alongside hundreds, if not thousands of volunteers.
- Visits and assurances of financial assistance when we start to rebuild have come from our Premier and Prime Minister.
I am so proud of you Calgary! A city that was built on the backs of ranchers and entrepreneurs. A city that does not lay down in defeat. A city that boldly claims that its internationally attended Calgary Stampede (due to take place in a few weeks) will not be postponed even though the Stampede grounds are under water and the Saddledome is flooded to the 10th row of seats!
If anyone can pull it off, Calgary – you can!
On a personal note, I am one of the lucky ones who has not been evacuated, although my neighbourhood is within blocks of evacuated communities. Calgary’s downtown core is shut down with no power and many streets are still under water. It’s like a ghost town, quiet and eerie. It is so sad. It is so unbelievable. And yet I’m reminded of a quote that speaks to the truth and hope within humanity:
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” -Helen Keller
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who have lost so much. Below are some pictures that were floating around on my facebook homepage and come from an album that was shared by AMP Radio.
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😦 stay safe Diana.
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Thanks I am safe and was one of the lucky ones who were not physically affected. ❤
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We’ve only lived here for a year and a half but Calgary has been home to me for much longer than that. As a city we are blessed with incredible public services and fantastic first responders. And I’m watching as our flooded city floods them with love.
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It has been amazing to watch how people have been responding. I love your play on words… floods them with love
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wow I had no idea Diana – so sorry to read it!
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Thank you for your concern!
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Been thinking about you, friend! Stay safe and take good care. Prayers for all ♥ paula
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Thanks so much Paula – means a lot!
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be safe kiddo! Hope you have a small pantry to tide you over, or help others who might be needing supplies.
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I walked to my local grocery store today and picked up some supplies. I’m doing OK Bill and yes, if I can help someone out I sure will.
xo
Diana
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ok — keep us posted and stay dry.
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Yes Sir! 😉
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I like that answer 🙂
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I figured you could use just one female in your life that complies! 😉
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My thoughts are with Calgary as it recovers from the flooding.
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Thank you Sheryl. I think the worst is over. Now comes the clean up as the waters recede…
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The city will recover, maybe some parts more quickly than others. The NJ Shore and parts of NYC are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. When that hit, I couldn’t believe it was happening to NY- how could the city shut down? Very hard to see your local city be afflicted. Stay strong!
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You are right of course. Thank you for your encouraging words of hope Lisa!
xo
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Here is hoping that there is no more rain to allow the waters to recede and for life to return to normal for your community. .
Keep safe.
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Thanks Elizabeth. It was sunny today and ironically the heat and sun absorbed some water but caused showers. These showers were mimimal though. Several communities have been allowed to go home, even a small portion of the beltline area just above the downtown core. I sat on the grass outside a local coffee shop with friends today and the coffee shop had its water turned off temporarily and I watched as the owner went next door to another merchant whose water was still working to fetch water so she could keep her patrons in coffee. Her jovial mood rubbed off on all who were there!
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It is interesting how everybody goes back to basics at a times of a crisis; food, water, shelter, companionship. And everyone responds. Great to see.
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It’s true eh? We should do more of that!
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Diana I have been thinking about you ever since your last post. I’m so happy you didn’t have to evacuate, but at the same time my heart goes out to all of those who have been displaced and have so much to rebuild and repair because of this crisis. It goes to show you how you never know what you may have to face from one day to the next.
So proud to hear of all the offers of help. It does the heart good when people rise up to meet the challenge and assist those in need. I have been keeping up to date with the news of the flooding, and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. x
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Thanks Jennifer, my heart goes out to those who have lost so much as well. Your prayers are gratefully accepted.
xo
Diana
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It reminds me a bit of after a hurricane hits. People open their hearts and their doors to help one another. The truth of what is important quickly surfaces. I love your quote! Sending a hug…
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Grateful for your well wishes and hugs!
xo
Diana
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Be well southern Alberta! Thanks again to all the first responders and others helping others!
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Amen to that Andy!!
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Go well Diana and stay safe… that is the one thing we noticed after our floods .. the human support one gets from those you have never met before… it restores ones belief in the human race…
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I agree. Humanity does not seem to sit back on its heels when they are needed in a crisis. Amazing and beautiful.
xo
Diana
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hope is well with you and you are wearing togs and water wings
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It’s sunny right now and from my window you would think nothing is awry. I plan to venture out a bit later as far as I can to see with my own eyes what’s going on.
thanks for your well wishes,
Diana
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the weather all over the world seems to be going crazy!
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It sure does…
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Was wondering how you were this morning. It’s shown up on our news here now. Thanks for the update.
Even though you’re over the disbelief, the whole thing and being in the middle of it must be overwhelming. I can’t imagine what it feels like. Hope it starts settling down real soon.
The force of nature is humbling. With all our technological advances, we might be lured into thinking we’re in control sometimes, but we’re not at all. Perhaps that’s why people behave more compassionately during these times. We remember our humanity.
Take care Diana. You all are still in my thoughts and prayers xx
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I think the harsh truth has just penetrated is what I meant. At first you just kind of look out of big eyes as if watching a TV show. Then reality sinks in…
Thank you for your well wishes and prayers!
xo
Diana
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Thinking of you and yours today, Diana. Too, too much 😦
xoxo
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Thank you so much – means a lot!
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❤
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