Rebuilding After the Flood - a Personal Account

I am on a countdown. I live in Vernonia, Oregon, and my home is in the flood zone that hit town on December third. The first week or two after the water receded were spent tearing my house apart and throwing away nearly everything I own. After that, the real work began. It's going on two months since the disaster and my residence is nearly ready to be occupied again. Drywall is installed and several rooms have been painted. Flooring is next on the list to put in and then we can get cabinets, sinks and appliances installed.

By the second weekend of February, my son and I should be able to move back into our home. What little furniture and other belongings we were able to save wait now in a pair of storage sheds at the back of my property. We are understandably eager to live in our own dwelling again. We are marking off the calendar. I have many neighbors who are doing the same thing. We all have different 'deadlines'. Some buildings were damaged worse than others.

I have been very lucky. I have a sister and brother-in-law who live in town - up on a hill where the flood did not reach. They not only rescued my son and dogs when the flood waters rose, but have been letting my son stay with them so that he can continue to attend school. All of our school buildings were damaged, so Scappoose has been loaning their facilities to our middle school and high school students. Kindergarten and grade-schoolers have been transferred to various churches around town.

Meanwhile, a friend of mine who lives near where I work is allowing me to use a spare bedroom. It's not home, but it's a very welcome roof over my head. I have a brother who works in construction and was between projects when the disaster struck. I don't know what I'd be doing without his expert help in getting my humpty-dumpty house back together again. The work has felt endless, but we can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

FEMA, the Red Cross, the SBA and a host of other organizations and volunteers have been absolutely fabulous about helping Vernonia get back on its feet. I also wish to throw in a brief plug to all my co-workers, friends and family not already mentioned so far who have been helpful and supportive. The outpouring has been overwhelming. We are a tough bunch in this little mountain town and we are rebuilding, but every bit of aid received helps, too. We are still in need of volunteers. The work goes on.

Less than two weeks from today(01/30/08) I should be back under my own roof. I can hardly wait.