getting back to normal

After a natural disaster rips through a town, it makes sense that time will be needed to clean up and repair. This is a given and something that can take its toll on you. When it comes down to it, a structure can be replaced, new furniture can be purchased and new plants can be grown. The hard part is seeing all the memories destroyed, those intangible items that can never be replaced. I experienced this type of loss in the flood of 2005. Our basement was a storage area for family memories and seasonal decorations. Unfortunately, we lost our share. It took a complete year to understand exactly what was lost. Every season had us going back down to the basement in search of another decoration, only to find that it was swept away and trashed with all the other debris. This is a sad reality but one unavoidable leaving you to buy new things and create new memories being sure to store them in safer places this time.

A quick response to clean up and rebuilding helps drastically when recovering. When things are brought back to the way they use to be, the sense of normalcy comes back allowing you to focus on your everyday things again. When these things are drawn out for whatever reason, you are trapped in the event, causing continuing reminders of the loss and the devastation.

To further add to my point check out this article about Hurricane Ike, one year later - http://www.marionstar.com/article/20090914/UPDATES01/90914006/-1/newsfront2

A year after an event with a blue tarp still on your roof has got to be agonizing. A constant reminder of loss without closure. The article clearly addresses the insurance industry, an industry with billions and billions of dollars given by folks like us in case of an event for piece of mind if something was to happen. This lack of urgency to fix not only the possessions of the people but a portion of their lives is a complete slap in the face. We are constantly being told by the insurance industry to be prepared. In fact, I recall that my home owners insurance goes up every year. The least they can do is be there for us when we're in need.

This all serves as another example of the cracks in the system that will be filled with Each One for US All. Our approach would be a charitable donation to the town that can disperse funds directly to the people to pay contractors to do the rebuilding needed. This will bring closure to the event itself. This also will reduce the amount of claims saving millions in the long run by keeping insurance premiums at a reasonable level. More importantly, it will make the town whole again at a faster pace so people can go on living and enjoying their lives.

DD