A Sense of Community

A Sense of Community

A strong sense of community was shown by the people of the Fraser Valley most recently.

Long-Awaited Family Visit

On Monday, November 15 I ventured out to a long-awaited family visit. A visit we had been trying to set up since the summer of 2020.  There had been wind and some heavy rains that morning.  The wind stopped and the rains tapered off by the time I needed to get on the highway to travel to Langley to meet with my family at my mom’s house.  Our visit was wonderful, and we took lots of photos.

Little did I know within just a few hours flooding of Hwy #1 would be taking place and Hwy #1 would be closed both ways due to the flooding of Sumas Prairie.

I left Langley to head home to Chilliwack about 4:15 pm.  By the time I got to McCallum Road Exit, traffic was being rerouted off Hwy # Eastbound onto McCallum Road Exit.  I took the turn off, went in circles, trying to figure out a way home to Chilliwack, to no avail.  I had to turn around and go back to Langley.  I was at my mom’s for 2 days and was able to take #7 Hwy home to Chilliwack Wednesday evening.  I consider myself very fortunate because I had a place to go to.

There wasn’t a lot – if any – time to prepare for the record-breaking torrential rainwater that was about to descend on BC.

My heart goes out to all those who lost their homes and need to rebuild or repair because of flooding.  Also, to the farmers who have lost livestock and may need to rebuild in addition to replenishing their livestock.

There are many examples of the kindness of people that stepped in, volunteers who filled and delivered sandbags, cleanup kits, donations and more.  What a community of people banding together to help others in need!

I have lived and worked in Chilliwack for 30 years and I am grateful to be a part of this community