THANKS AND BEYOND
By Lisa Brichacek, district administrator
It is not often that I am at a loss for words. But a storm and the ensuing reactions that followed by so many people have done just that.
As many of you know, I had a major portion of a basement wall collapse when about 7 inches of rain bombarded my already soggy part of Wahoo in the early morning hours of May 21. After pulling off paneling from an adjoining wall, we found that wall needed remediation as well. The insurance company was quick with its denial to help. Rainwater is considered floodwater and I don’t have flood insurance. None of us on the high side of town do.
But since then, a lot has happened at my house. The garbage hauler pulled away the roll-off bin filled with what could not be saved. All the dirt/mud that washed across my basement has been moved back outside. And, I now have new basement walls.
The restoration company has been in and out with industrial dehumidifiers, floor scrubbers and more. Plumbers and electricians have made their appearance to get water and power restored as needed. I, fortunately, have been able to be in my house this whole time. But, I can say that being without water for two months in my main floor kitchen (the side of the house most impacted) was more difficult than expected.
As of last week, my washing machine and dryer are back in place in the basement and I am no longer going across the street to my neighbors with my laundry basket. I still do not have central air conditioning, as the contractor needs to finish landscaping/grading and will then replace the AC pad and patio. The recent cooler weather has been fantastic and so has the two borrowed window air conditioners.
Although there is still more work to be done before what could be saved can be carried back downstairs, every task completed has been a progress benchmark.
I write this update of my situation and give recognition of your support very humbly. I know so many other Kiwanians across our district have been impacted by storms this summer and in recent years too. I have been thinking of you as well.
Since the beginning of my mess, so many Kiwanians have reached out by text, phone, email or other gestures to make sure I was ok and to ask if I needed help. That support and encouragement just kept coming and helped me to cope with everything.
Then, so many Kiwanians and clubs reached into your wallets and gave financial support. Those dollars are being used toward the numerous contractor and service trucks that have made their way to my door.
For those of you who do not know, your district office is at my house. The “office” is an approximately 10x12 foot space converted from a bedroom on the main floor. There was no damage from the storm to office equipment or supplies and one of the window air conditioners hums away in here right now to help control heat and humidity.
It has all been overwhelming at times, to say the least.
I wish I had words adequate enough to tell you, my Kiwanis family, how grateful I am for your support, especially these last few months. I can't find the words that match my appreciation.
So, please accept my simple thank you and know that you have made a difference for me.
| 
