My father-in-law came into town for a memorial service and extended his stay due to Hurricane Ian. We will are super grateful that he made this decision. You see, he and his wife live in the Ft. Myers area about three miles from Ft. Myers Beach.
After the hurricane went through, like everyone else, we knew it wasn't good. Friends made it to his place two days later. They didn't have good news. Then we found out that the community he lives in would be closed in ten days. We talked his dad into going to Florida. He and Chuck left on a Monday and when they drove up the house this is what they saw.
The sun porch or Florida Room as Floridians call it was destroyed. Part of the roof that covered the living room and kitchen was peeled back slightly. All things that could be repaired. Then they entered the house.
Chuck said that it smelled terrible. There had been several feet of water in the house.
Things were soaked and already starting to mold. The sad thing was that everything was still in its place and it looked like they had just walked out the door. They were able to salvage some clothing that was up high, dishes, pots and pans plus a few knick knacks. They ended up salvaging 20 totes, flower pots and two bikes. Everything else is trashed. A total loss.
Ron had been staying at a hotel while here. Once we found out that his home was destroyed we moved him in with us. It's crazy to think how in a blink of an eye everything can change.
He went out and purchased a car today and will be receiving his car insurance money in the next week. He is still waiting on to hear from his home insurance and FEMA.
The plan is for he and his wife (who is Hawaii taking care of her son-in-law who has ALS) to leave here (Indiana) the first week of December. They have been offered a free condo for four weeks while they look for a new home.
To say that my life has changed dramatically is an understatement. At the moment I am busy helping my father-in-law with paperwork, schooling Megan, keeping house and eating a little too much chocolate to maintain my sanity. *smile* I will be back as time permits.
