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200 words, Alberta, beauty, believe, Calgary, community, compassion, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, life, looking back, memories, Southern Alberta Floods 2013, struggles
One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.
On June 21, 2013, I woke up and looked out the window to see what kind of day was greeting me. Finally, after many days of rain, the sun was shining. I had no idea at the time, but later in the day I would write:
Calgary and surrounding communities are experiencing flooding that exceeds the flood of 2005. The TransCanada Highway is closed between Canmore and Banff and Canmore’s Cougar’s Creek has become a raging river. High River south of Calgary is completely under water. Other surrounding areas are also affected with devastating floods.
In Calgary, many of the communities around my neighbourhood have been put under mandatory evacuation. So far my community is still fine. The largest homeless shelter in Canada is being evacuated as I write. A thousand Drop In residents are walking over the bridge to the Bridgeland community.
I had never experienced a natural disaster until that day. I had also never experienced the coming together of people to help others on such a massive scale either. It was humanity at its best. It was beautiful.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
I remember that all too well. Took along time to clean all the mess up
But GODS people come and help in every situation Glory to GOD
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People do come together during difficult times Darlene. ❤
Diana xo
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When things are at there worst you see everyday people who become somebodies saving grace it is amazing and comforting to know that most of us have a heart and plenty of compassion to go around. We are all connected.
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Yes. When the poop hits the fan, people show up in the most amazing ways Kath. It’s a beautiful thing. ❤
Diana xo
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beautiful post on the human spirit … love the picture that matches the mood … it is haunting
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Thank you my friend! ❤
Diana xo
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That’s so awesome! I love how you always find the silver lining. 🙂 xoxo ❤
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Haha thanks Rachel, sometimes I really have to LOOK! ❤
Diana xo
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LOL! 🙂
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Usually when disaster strikes people are really compassionate and helpful. However it should be always like that not only in disaster times.
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Wouldn’t that be something Ute? ❤
Diana xo
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During the hurricanes of 2004, I found what you say was so true. Neighbors helping neighbors. Strangers helping strangers.
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Yes. I remember seein that on the news Don! ❤
Diana xo
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Something about a tragedy or natural disaster that brings out the best in us. Just wish we’d keep those feelings all the time!
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Me too Lisa, me too. ❤
Diana xo
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It’s during these struggles, and the way we all come together, that we realize we humans are GOOD PEOPLE. We need that reminder more often, and not only in times of dis-stress. Wonderful Freud quote. xo
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We definitely have the capacity for much good, don’t we? ❤
Diana xo
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People helping one another is the most beautiful sight Diana. ❤
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That it is, Colleen. ❤
Diana xo
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Diana, wonderful post. Reminds me of Yeats:
“We begin to live when we have conceived life as a tragedy.”
William Butler Yeats, from Four Years, chapter 20 (via artemisdreaming)
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A beautiful quote David. Thank you. ❤
Diana xo
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We all have this compassion and love within is. Great post Diana. I too have seen this beauty amongst the struggle. 💚
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Yes. I know you have and you spread so much beauty because of it. ❤
Diana xo
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🙏🏻❤️
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Sometimes we wait too long to do the right things but when something beautiful comes out of hardship we forget the past and remember what’s in front of us.
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What a lovely thought George. ❤
Diana xo
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Great post Diana. Seems like whenever life is one the line, love comes to the forefront, and all differences take a back seat; exactly where they belong at all times.
-Alan
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Yes. Perhaps we need the reminder Alan. ❤
Diana xo
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If only we remembered before tragedy strikes … 💕💕💕
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If only… ❤
Diana xo
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❤
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❤ 😀 !
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Such a wonderful observation. It always seems to work that way. Too bad, it often takes a tragedy. Lovely post, Diana. 💖
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Yes. I remember wondering how one might be able to continue the generosity and love of a community after the tragedy… ❤
Diana xo
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It’s always so heartwarming to hear that a tragedy can end in something beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. 🙂
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You’re welcome and thanks Kelly! ❤
Diana xo
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The worst on the outside brings out the best from our inside, Diana. Thanks for your heart, always, my dear friend. ❤
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A great summary statement Mark. Thank you for your kind and generous words. ❤
Diana xo
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