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!