Sad and soggy, many residents of Waltham and the surrounding areas can relate to this description. The flooding of the Ottawa and Black Rivers have taken a considerable toll on our citizens and in the Pontiac.
Citizens who have had flood water invade their homes and seasonal residences, have stood shoulder to shoulder with their neighbours and filled, delivered and stacked sand bags for eight straight days.
The outpouring support of food, drinks and other necessities was unbelievable. Of course, the financial loss to home owners and the fact that most have had to evacuate their homes and abandon their belonging is heart breaking. For most of these residents, its a time of reflection and decision making.
We have long believed that the floods could not reach these levels, but April and May 2019 have proven us wrong. Some of the folks that I have recently spoken with are planning a cleanup followed by major renovations. Others are uncertain about the structural stability of their homes.
There are perhaps, a few bright and encouraging items to this flooding situation. First, there has been no loss of life and no reported injuries if you don’t count strained backs and blisters. Secondly, we were witnesses to a small community pulling together to support neighbours in a time of crisis.
As of May 5, the two major rivers are slowly dropping. However, officials are telling us that they may rise again in the next few days. Sad and soggy may be our fate for the next week or so, but I believe that Waltham will recover and we will be stronger and more resilient and perhaps more adapted in the future.
The Birthday Club met at the Waltham Station on the last Thursday of April. Gilda Heaney was the birthday girl of the month. Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch and birthday cake.
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Goldwin (Goldie) Hume of Gloucester Ont. He was the beloved husband of my cousin Mary (nee Culleton). Mary and Goldie are the owners of Travel-Mor-Trailer Sales in Gloucester. Goldie loved to come up to the cottage on L’Îsle Aux-Allumettes to fish and in Key Largo, FL in the winter. Our heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.
Special anniversary wishes are extended to our dear Rhonda and Mark, who are celebrating their 26th anniversary today. May you share many more years of God`s richest blessings.
This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day. I would like to wish every Mom a happy Mother’s Day. Let us lift up a silent prayer for all mothers who are no longer with us.
