A Long Week

As most of you know the state of Colorado has been hit hard this last week.  With rain fall totals that have exceeded those seen in a typical 100 or 500 year floods there has been devastation from flooding spread throughout the state.  It is still hitting towns to the east that are further down the river systems.  A cold front from the North and a warm, moist monsoon system from the South collided and stalled over one of the worst possible locations on the Front Range.  With the massive amounts of water that fell in the mountains the rivers that flow through the canyons were inundated and huge walls of water destroyed whatever was in their wake.  Houses, cars, trees and anything else (even bridges) were obliterated.  Thousands of people and homes are affected as well as roads and communities.  Towns were shut off from communication and the rest of civilization until air rescue could be carried out.

How far and wide the destruction has spread is staggering.

We realize how lucky we were.  The system could have stalled lower down the front range above the river system in our area.  Our backyard has a creek/drainage gulch that runs to a nearby reservoir and this system could have been easily overwhelmed.  We came close to evacuation one night - our valuables collected and bags packed sitting by the door.  We tried to sleep as the phone was next to us - waiting for the call that said it was time to GO.  Thankfully we did not hear any rain (or a ringing phone) and we knew we would probably be ok until morning.  The entire week we have been watching the creek rise and fall as the rain would slow and increase.  It also depended on what happened further up in the hills - if it was raining higher up on Clear Creek we would be in trouble.  But it did not and we were ok, unlike so many others.  As we are thankful for our safety we carry thoughts of all the others who were not so lucky - our hearts are with them as they begin the recovery process.  It will be long and hard but they will do it with the support of the rest of Colorado and their communities.

the craziness began last week on Monday when we were hit with a massive hail storm (it all fell in an hour during school pickup)

ominous clouds were everywhere

the creek when it began to recede for the first of many times

we had not idea what the rest of the week would bring, that this was just the beginning

I was very impressed with the boys and how they stepped up and handled everything so well.  They gathered their belongings and packed bags.  They asked questions, showed concern, and were a bit nervous - and that is ok - that is how kids should respond and will respond.  The important thing is to communicate with them - inform them - keep them involved.  When they have tasks to do they do not feel so helpless.

Once again we are left to respect Mother Nature.  Be aware of your surroundings, pay attention and realize the power that nature and weather have and the destruction that can be caused.