Grateful
Grateful Bracelet from Vintage Fern
You know when you have experiences in your life that make you extremely grateful to have what you do have. The moments when you realize that seconds or inches make the difference between life and death. And moments when you suddenly realize how blessed you are.
We had one of those moments Friday night.
While at SNAP I received word that a huge tree had fallen on our house.
My whole family was home except me. And despite the damage, all that really matters is that my four boys (my husband, my two boys, and Buddy) were unscathed.
Sure there are numerous holes in our roof.
Sure there was a 8 foot limb that punctured my son’s bedroom ceiling.
Sure there is consequently a hole with a view to the sky in his bedroom.
Sure our attic is literally a disaster zone filled with pine needles, sap and rain soaked contents.
But, it doesn’t matter. All that matters to me is that my loved ones are fine.
The restoration team has already moved in to start drying things out.
Yup, that would be my brand new kitchen ceiling with a big hole cut into it. But, honestly, it doesn’t matter.
Sheetrock and paint are cheap. Lives are priceless!
Sadly, I think some baby chickadees lost their lives. I’m hoping the parents survived and will consider building a new nest in their favorite home:
I’m taking a few days to give my boys extra hugs and kisses. And I’ll be busy on clean up duty. Hope to see you again soon.
Important Note: I had to cancel my talk on Monday, April 20th at the Habitat ReStore in Greater Greensboro. I will have to reschedule for a later date and will be sure to let you know when I do. If you live in the area, still head over to the ReStore this week for Earth Day specials.
Moments like these cause us to reassess our priorities, don’t they? So glad that the damage is all “fixable”. Praying that the process will happen swiftly and smoothly!
We are surrounded by very old tall trees and I think of the possibilities every time the wind picks up – seeing your photos and reading your story has me thinking that we need to get the tree trimming guys in here again to cut back those branches and cull any dead wood. I am so thankful you are all well and that nothing more than replaceable ‘stuff’ was damaged!
Oh my Brittany, glad to hear your men are okay. It’s crazy what can happen within seconds. There’s nothing one can do about natural disasters and situations like these put life in perspective.
So glad everyone is safe!! I’m sorry you are having so many things happen to you lately. That hole in your new kitchen ceiling…..oh no! I’m sorry you have to postpone the talk tomorrow…hoping I can attend whenever it’s rescheduled. I was so bummed because I had a conflict and was not going to be able to go. Please keep us posted on everything.
UGG! I feel for you- we had half of a tree go down in our yard that miraculously came down in 3 parts but did not hit our fence or home or kids toys! the next day I called and lowered our homeowners insurance deductible for sure….we are fine but minus half of a huge tree but thankful no one was hurt. Hopefully you enjoyed the conference and great your fam is ok!
Brittany I can’t believe my eyes!!! Thank goodness everyone is safe, you just might be able to become a contractor after this AND the kitchen, it’s too much! After living through Hurricane Sandy (and a large tree falling on the garage) I can’t even imagine how scary it was for your boys to see the destruction in their bedroom, yikes! On the bright side – any attic remodeling plans coming down the pike???
so sorry and may God be with you and yours as you go through the cleanup repairs and I should imagine insurance negotiations.
WOW!! so very glad that you and yours are ok. Absolutely amazing to see the pictures and realize how beautiful and yet dangerous Mother Nature can be. Things can always be replaced, people can’t!
Angels are on your shoulders and many blessings abound 🙂
So glad everyone’s ok. Guess you have some new ideas for home repair posts. You don’t realize how heavy those limbs are until you have to move one that has fallen, but to see the damage to your home, gosh. Jaw dropping.
It would be interesting, when you have time down the road, to hear how the insurance company handled this.
After all of the awful events that have happened in the last week, from national to personal, things like this make our knees weak and our throats close with all of the “what if’s” . Please take some time to take care of your and yours. We’ll still be here when you get back. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff when your family are safe and well.
Wow. Glad everyone is okay!
Your honesty and humility are reassuring. I am so happy that your family is well. Although the damage is disheartening, you have a great perspective and really have your priorities in order. Hugs to you and your family.
How scary! Glad your boys are all safe. Hope the restoration process goes smoothly.
Oh Brittany! I so admire and appreciate your positive spirit and feelings of gratitude in the midst of yet another setback in the house. You are so right, sheetrock and paint are replaceable..loved ones are not. Praying the cleanup and repairs go smoothly and quickly.
Hugs! Heather
OMG I am so sorry, I am glad the boys are ok, how scary. Seeing that branch in your sons room breaks my heart and so glad no one was hurt. What a year you have had 🙁 Hang in there.
XO
Kristin