survivor guilt

I know that there are a multitude of horrible disasters each year. But, since I know people in Calgary, this one is closer to me. Besides watching the reports on TV, I’m speaking to people who are there witnessing things as they happen.

I had a long talk with my friend who lives there. Her cousin lost everything, but otherwise, her personal space has been untouched.

She elaborated on a few things …

* although I haven’t heard anything officially, she said that the body of an elderly woman has been found in her home. She refused to leave. My friend said that now they are starting to go door to door, they expect to find more people who didn’t make it…

* many houses have basements that are completely flooded (like to the ceiling). Although they want to start pumping out the basements, the ground is so saturated that it would cause more damage to do that. I suppose this is a problem after most floods where the water doesn’t recede particularly quickly.

* The zoo was badly flooded, but except for 1 peacock and some tropical fish, they were able to corral the animals and move them to high ground. A friend of hers is a large animal vet and said they are very concerned because the animals are beginning to show signs of severe stress.

* They are focusing on getting the Stampede grounds cleaned up so they will be able to still have the Stampede (or some facsimile of) (due to start in less than 2 weeks). The stadium, where the big shows would be held, was flooded to the 10th row of seats. The electrical is shot … the dressing rooms are destroyed … major, major problems and repairs that may not be resolved in less than 2 weeks

* Even if they can get the surface of the track dried up enough for the rodeo, there is concern that the stability of the ground beneath the track will make it unsafe for the animals.

* She told me she is having a really difficult time since the flood. Her house is safe … but only a couple blocks away other families’ lives have been torn apart. (Standard for a natural catastrophe I think). “I think I have survivors guilt.”

Everyone in that city has been affected – including my daughter.

Well, maybe not everyone. A friend of mine has started seeing a man who lives there. From what she tells me, he is an arrogant asshole … but I haven’t met him so I must give him the benefit of the doubt (I did google him … I felt very protective of my friend and hope that this relationship doesn’t progress too far. Even with the benefit of the doubt, I still think he is an arrogant asshole.) She told me that she is very offended by his attitude towards the people who lost so much. He is quite well off and hasn’t been affected at all. He told her he feels no compassion at all for the people who lost their homes.

I am starting to think she is beginning to realize he is an arrogant asshole …

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I’m tired tonight. I wanted to watch Under the Dome, but it doesn’t start until 10 and I just can’t make it until 11. I don’t have a pvr or any other way to tape it, so I guess I’ll just have to wait until the season comes out on DVD and have a marathon. (I’m not very good with weekly shows anyway, so this is probably the better option anyway).

* * * * *

Quinoa salad for supper. Unfortunately, by the time I got home and took the dog for her walk, I didn’t sit down to eat it until 8:30. So, I’ll be going to bed on a full stomach!

* I WISH YOU WELL! *