The weather this fall has been wet. I cannot remember a fall with this much rain. The flood of September 12th, 2025, was a disaster for many homeowners, business owners, the local hospital and arena. We personally had a nightmare on our hands. This flood was very similar to the flood we experienced exactly a year ago in 2024. Last year, two inches of water filled our basement, but this time, two feet of water covered it. We were fortunate that my dad had installed a sewage backflow valve. Most of our neighbours had sewage backup as well. We had approximately $20,000.00 of damage. The water destroyed all the furniture, including bedroom furniture. The water damaged the hot water heater, so we had to replace it. We were very fortunate that our furnace only needed to be repaired. If you are looking for a plumber, call Brett Kihn. My son and daughter-in-law have been a tremendous help. My son is removing all the damaged drywall and insulation. This is literally a job from hell. Once that has been done, we can then determine our options.
The first anniversary of my husband Peter’s death occurred on October 17th. My way of coping was to be alone with my memories and try to come to terms with some events that occurred after his death. He would have celebrated his 79th birthday on October 24th. Some people firmly believe in the afterlife. Why do I struggle so much to believe and think about it? I tell myself I believe, but then I start thinking, and the doubts come back. I wonder if others have had conflicting beliefs about the afterlife.
My cardiologist recommended that I stop using my stationary bike until the basement is free of mould. If I am honest with myself, I have to admit that my breathing has worsened since the flood. I see my respiratory specialist in November, and I hope he has some answers for me.
I found this poem by A. A. Milne, and it reminded me of my childhood. I would have terrible nightmares and would slowly creep out of my bedroom and down the steps. I always stopped on the middle stair and called my dad. My dad would help me back to bed and then sit patiently on the stairs until I could fall asleep.
Halfway Down
Halfway down the stairs
is a stair
where i sit.
there isn’t any
other stair
quite like
it.
i’m not at the bottom,
i’m not at the top;
so this is the stair
where
I always
stop.
Halfway up the stairs
Isn’t up
And it isn’t down.
It isn’t in the nursery,
It isn’t in town.
And all sorts of funny thoughts
Run round my head.
It isn’t really
Anywhere!
It’s somewhere else
Instead!
t has been 8 1/2 months since my husband passed away. During this time, I have experienced loneliness, sadness, anger, and depression. I had no idea how difficult it would be to work through all the paperwork left for me to deal with. In this post, I have included some of the things I learned while working through this nightmare called widowhood.
«Христос Воскрес» is the Ukrainian Easter greeting, and means “Christ has risen.” During Easter service (which, for the orthodox, is a midnight mass), the priest shouts this to the congregation, who answer «В
October and November have been lonely and difficult. My husband, Peter, of 57 years, passed away suddenly without warning during the evening of October 17th. When it became obvious that he needed medical intervention, even though he was adamant about not calling 911, I did just that. The emergency services arrived quickly and transported him to the hospital. Our grandson and I arrived at the hospital emergency department shortly after my husband. We were told his prognosis was not good. That was the first time I realized that he might die. Our grandson has a suite in our basement. He has been and continues to be a tremendous help and emotional support. My daughter and her partner arrived at the hospital after her father died. They spent the weekend with me and helped with arrangements at the Funeral Home. Our son arrived from Seattle a few days after his dad’s death and spent two weeks with me. He is coming back next week and plans to stay for 14 days. I do not know how people can plan a funeral or a memorial a few days after a sudden death. As a family and with the support of the funeral home staff, we decided to have a Memorial in the spring. According to the Cleveland Clinic, grief involves coping with loss. It’s important to remember that grief doesn’t fit into neat boxes or timelines. Everyone experiences grief in their own way. Also, there’s never a time when you’re “done” with grief. Your connection with a loved one who’s passed becomes integrated into your ongoing life story. It’s forever a part of who you are.
Not Over Till The Fat Lady Sings 