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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 ~
Darlene Wozney said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
People do come together during difficult times Darlene. ❤
Diana xo
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Minuscule Moments said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
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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elizabeth2560 said:
beautiful post on the human spirit … love the picture that matches the mood … it is haunting
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you my friend! ❤
Diana xo
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rachelcarrera said:
That’s so awesome! I love how you always find the silver lining. 🙂 xoxo ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Haha thanks Rachel, sometimes I really have to LOOK! ❤
Diana xo
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rachelcarrera said:
LOL! 🙂
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utesmile said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
Wouldn’t that be something Ute? ❤
Diana xo
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Don Royster said:
During the hurricanes of 2004, I found what you say was so true. Neighbors helping neighbors. Strangers helping strangers.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. I remember seein that on the news Don! ❤
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
Me too Lisa, me too. ❤
Diana xo
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roughwighting said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
We definitely have the capacity for much good, don’t we? ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
People helping one another is the most beautiful sight Diana. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
That it is, Colleen. ❤
Diana xo
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David Kanigan said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
A beautiful quote David. Thank you. ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. I know you have and you spread so much beauty because of it. ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
🙏🏻❤️
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George said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
What a lovely thought George. ❤
Diana xo
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Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. Perhaps we need the reminder Alan. ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
If only we remembered before tragedy strikes … 💕💕💕
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dianasschwenk said:
If only… ❤
Diana xo
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Ann Koplow said:
❤
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dianasschwenk said:
❤ 😀 !
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vanbytheriver said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
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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Nurse Kelly said:
It’s always so heartwarming to hear that a tragedy can end in something beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
You’re welcome and thanks Kelly! ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
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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dianasschwenk said:
A great summary statement Mark. Thank you for your kind and generous words. ❤
Diana xo
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