Tags
200 words, Calgary, caring, community, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, love, Southern Alberta Floods 2013, volunteers
“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, it’s what you are expected to give — which is everything.” Author unknown
The Southern Alberta Flood has left its mark.
Tens of thousands have been directly affected. A larger number have responded.
Will we remember the devastation? I’m sure this story will be told for a long time.
Thousands of volunteers have helped without wanting anything in return.
Thousands have reached out saying if the tables were turned they know the same compassion would be extended to them.
From rolling up their sleeves and getting dirty shoulder-to-shoulder with those affected, delivering meals to volunteers and raising funds through lemonade stands – people have given of themselves.
Every time I hear a story of gratitude I am moved to tears. In the face of losing so much, love and human kindness have prevailed.
Yes, the story of the Alberta flood will be told for a long time in these parts.
But what really stands out to me is the giving.
Jesus said, “Love thy neighbour as yourself…”
I know I’ve been witness to this in action over the last 10 days.
Well done Alberta!
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
artsifrtsy said:
I have been in areas after earthquakes or tornadoes and have always been moved by peoples’ need to help. Hoping all is well in Alberta!
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dianasschwenk said:
The motto here has become AlbertaStrong. We have never seen anything like this in our area. Yeah you see it on the news but to actually experience it… Our tornados are getting worse too and are closer to our city…Weather seems to be changing…
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artsifrtsy said:
You are right about that – the weather makes no sense. Something about a situation like this bonds a community together – it’s amazing.
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Wyrd Smythe said:
It’s wonderful how people rise to the occasion when necessary. The pity is we don’t live like that all the time. I find I’m just a tiny bit less impressed by these big events when viewed against the background of how we go through our lives normally. Of course we rise to special occasions…. I just wish it was more ordinary.
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dianasschwenk said:
I hear you, yet as someone close by I am impressed beyond words and so proud of the good people in my city!
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Indeed!!!
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Kristi said:
Sorry to hear Diana, but great to hear that there are so many good people willing to help out. Thanks for sharing this heart warming post. I’m just catching up here…how are you? hugs, Kristi
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dianasschwenk said:
I’m doing well – thanks Kristi! And how are you my friend?
Hugs,
Diana
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aliciabenton said:
It’s nice to know that there’s still some good left in an ever darkening world.
Excellent post! Very uplifting.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks for dropping by Alicia!
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Jean said:
I have yet to hear all sorts of stories directly until I return to the city. But no doubt there will be incredible stories. I hope though, there will be a hard look at the City building permanent berms for flood protection. No one is talking about this: I just saw the video clip of today’s City Council meeting. This is basic civil engineering planning and fundamentals learned at university..!
Calgarians are urged to follow City Council meetings and City executive leaders on what they offer in comments. We have to move beyond to prevent another flood disaster. Calgarians know how low the areas of the Bow and Elbow Rivers can be as a pedestrian even along the underpass paths, etc. even during normal drier times in the summer.. where also homes are located close by.
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dianasschwenk said:
Jean you should run for council!
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When in New Places said:
Beautifully said, Diana. The Calgary spirit is alive and well; it will only gain in strength through this adversity.
The inspiration I feel from this is immense.
Thank you for sharing!
❤ ~ Andrea
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dianasschwenk said:
(smiling) Andrea, I love Calgary and am inspired anew myself!
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tersiaburger said:
Hi Diana, Me again… Please accept the Always Here When Needed Award. Thank you for your friendship and love. Thank you for always being here when needed!!! http://tersiaburger.com/2013/07/01/always-here-when-needed-award/
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure! Thank you for all the wonderful things you do in the name of Vic!
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tersiaburger said:
Dear Diana, Please accept the Loyal Reader Award. Thank you for following my blog and leaving inspirational comments! It truly means a lot to me. http://tersiaburger.com/2013/07/01/the-loyal-reader-award/
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dianasschwenk said:
Ahh thank you my dear!
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stuffitellmysister said:
Love the love….♥
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dianasschwenk said:
Me too!
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Another great post, D. I am reminded of two events, the first being 911. When planes had to be diverted to land in Canada, Gander, Newfoundland stood out as one of the quintessential stories of people helping people. Newfoundlanders opened their arms, their wallets and their homes to make the stranded passengers feel safe. Friendships that were forged during this devastating time still exist today, with subsequent visits in later years as a result.
I am also reminded of Hurricane Igor when it hit our province in 2010. The destruction and devastation was extensive, but fortunately only one life was lost. But it is these events that bring out the good in people, and what is most remembered.
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dianasschwenk said:
I remember 911 and how Gander took in all those flights and how the community opened their hearts and resources to all those passengers. What a beautiful story.
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Patty B said:
It has been 2 yrs since a devastating flood hit our area and I was amazed at the response of help even before it was over. We had things well under way even before FEMA got here. I found out just what a giving community we have too. Disasters and tragedies sure do bring out the best in people.
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dianasschwenk said:
It’s amazing isn’t it?
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joannerambling said:
Didn’t hear about this flooding so what can I say other flooding is terrible and like many natural disasters it brings out the good in people more then it does the bad…………….well I like to think it does
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dianasschwenk said:
it makes us unite with one purpose…
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Jennifer S said:
Beautiful post with a truly amazing quote. Look for the helpers, they’ll break your heart with their courage and kindness and determination to never give up.
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dianasschwenk said:
So true Jennifer, thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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russtowne said:
Yes, on such things community pride is born and grows. Thank you for your heart-warming post, Diana
Russ
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dianasschwenk said:
(smiling) my pleasure.
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Sheryl said:
It’s wonderful how many volunteers came to help. People are basically good.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes it is and yes they are!
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mrs fringe said:
❤
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dianasschwenk said:
(smiling) back at mrs fringe!
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elizabeth2560 said:
It certainly has been an incredible week.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes it has; full of loss and inspiration!
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elizabeth2560 said:
It is hard to understand sometimes, but it is in the moments of catastrophe that we find the strength of the human spirit and we learn what is really important in life.
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dianasschwenk said:
so true. I was thinking that reading your post this morning as well. The same principal seems to apply individually during the hard parts of our own lives…
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elizabeth2560 said:
and as I looked back, it made me think too… that in the hardest, bleakest time of my life I found joy in the moments of each day (because that was not lost)….. then when things improved I was swept up again in the busyness of life and the moments got lost again….
but I can see how it has been for you the last week too… those moments … those random acts of kindness … they really mean so much
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dianasschwenk said:
yes. they. do. Thanks Elizabeth!
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