I’ll try to make this a more condensed version than what I’ve shared with others.
First you must know I’ve been on extended medical leave for a variety of reasons. Deal with physical disabilities, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue. Most of my outings are for medical related appointments. Don’t get out or do much activity. No family locally. Been tough.
Last night fire alarm went off at my apartment complex, and it was deafening loud. Only 2nd time it has gone off after living there in over 2 years, so know something is up.
Temps in the teens and ample snow on ground from recent storms. Very cold out.
After some time, overheard someone say it is not a fire but flooding. That’s unexpected.
Just inside the stairwell we are outside of, you can see water free flowing out of an apartment at the end (2 floors directly below me). Younger woman in hysterical tears on the phone.
I made the decision since no fire, to go back upstairs and put on my snow boots, which are supposedly waterproof. Given how cold it was, I probably should have worn initially.
I go into the dark apartment with a flashlight, see the crying woman, and ask how I can help. She points and tells me to clear off the floor of this closet and fill bathtub. I do that and then unload a bookcase made of particle board that was wet and in standing water that likely would collapse under that weight while wet.
Never seen anything like it before. Literally full scale waterfalls from ceiling fans, ceiling light fixtures, hvac vents, and smoke detectors. Standing water covering apartment, flooding the hall, the people’s place across the hall, and into the underground garage. Evidently the emergency sprinkler line burst. Seems would have happened last weekend when temps were -25 to -35 for several days, but apparently not.
I was there helping before all others arrived—the fire department, the roommate returning with her fiancé, the fiancé’s roommate, the on call maintenance, and people from leadership within the development company and property. I was the only resident inside helping move things.
Apartment manager arrived and spoke with residents impacted. They will take care of them. Restoration crew was in route.
I leave and can tell my body starting to flare. Get to my place and am winded. Snow boots weren’t meant for standing water so feet cold and wet. Unsure if wetness of under shirt is from water that came down and soaked through my winter overcoat and lined button up, or from sweat from all the work while wearing such attire for the cold.
Today was a struggle to move. So many many different pain flares. Was very difficult, but went out this afternoon. Got a card, a couple Target gift cards, and made a nice note. Spoke with apartment manager and asked she give the envelope to the ladies. She thanked me for helping and was sorry I was hurting so bad. Clarified that my level of hurting wasn’t due to being injured last night but the activity flared my existing problems. I hurt like crazy, but pleased I helped in the midst of a crisis. Hope my card and gift cards makes them smile and encourages them during this difficult transition.
But I certainly would like some hugs, positive touch, and gentle cuddles.