Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Tonight's picture was taken on August 6, 2009, the day after I learned that Mattie's cancer diagnosis was terminal. The next day, we met with Mattie's oncologist to talk about next steps. Actually she handled that impossible conversation quite well, as she said, there was always HOPE! Yes she understood we weren't fighting for a cure anymore, but she said the goal was to focus on dignity and pain management. What she said resonated with me, because it gave me a mission. I needed something because the notion of Mattie dying was too much to handle. This photo said it all! We left Mattie in the outpatient clinic with his art therapists and one of his nurses. When we returned from talking to his doctor, look at how Mattie was looking at me and trying to read the situation! Mattie knew he was dying before anyone else, and frankly it was amazing and disheartening that a 7 year old understood this difficult concept.

Quote of the day: It’s so hard to forget pain, but it’s even harder to remember sweetness. ~ Chuck Palahniuk

Last night I decided to call my homeowner insurer at 10pm. Remember, I am the girl who never paid a bill, managed finances, or interfaced with contractors and insurers. I always relied on my husband! I wanted to make the call on the same day that the water removal company came to assess the damage. I also knew that I had to take my parents to a doctor's appointment this morning, and therefore I wouldn't get the time to do this important task. I spoke to a lovely agent last night, her name was Tanya. Her first question to me was..... how are you, are you okay? Truly this woman gets a gold star! She couldn't have been kinder. I was on the phone with her for about 40 minutes, and I detailed the issue, how it happened, and the next steps in the process. She provided me a claim number and that was exactly what I needed to provide the water removal company. Truthfully I can't say enough about Semper Dry. If you have a water issue, they should be your first call. Every person I have interfaced with has been amazing. 

I took my parents for their rehab doctor appointment today. This is the doctor who accepted my dad into his acute rehab program in the hospital during July. The doctor was beyond impressed with my dad's recovery. The doctor and the nurse credit me for how well he looks, and they understand that I push my dad to exercise and walk daily! It is the only way to keep him somewhat independent. After the appointment, I took them for frozen yogurt. While having yogurt, I got a call from Semper Dry, they were on their way to our home.  

The Semper Dry team gets an A. They could tell that I am a Type A person, and they assured me they were going to protect the staircase, furnishings, and so forth. They also told me they vacuum while doing the work to prevent dust build up! Music to my ears. One of the fellows, is currently experiencing a water issue in his own home, so he has a personal understanding for how devastating this is! Needless to say, they made what could be a difficult process, more manageable. Nonetheless, it is still overwhelming and my dad asks on the half hour what is going on!

When they removed the bathroom tile, I can't tell you the smell! It was foul! Mold was beginning to grow and it impacted the sink and vanity! Amazing how fast mold can grow, from water damage!

Right now this office door is closed. A big fan is blowing in it and in the bathroom! Thankfully I can shut the door and not see it. I am not as lucky downstairs. 

This is what my first floor looks like. They have taped up the dining room to prevent dust from blowing around. I await to hear how the ceiling looks. They are cutting it down as I am typing. 

I am told that the average drying period is three days. They will check on it daily, and hopefully I will then figured out who will do the reconstruction. My neighbor wrote to me today because she could see the countless trucks in front of my house. I explained to her what is going on and her reaction was DEAR GOD... how much more can you manage?  I don't know the answer to that question, but what I do know is today I am grateful for Jake and Savari, my Semper Dry angels.