Stilettos & Diapers

by Molly Wey

basement· DC· hurricane· New House

On losing a basement and finding perspective.

The past 2 days, we’ve been powerless and dealing with a gift that hurricane Sandy left us as she passed through…a wet basement. 

We checked the sump pump because the rain was coming down so hard and it was close to full. We decided to try to barrel brigade it out, but we couldn’t keep up and were left with about 5 inches of water in the entire basement. It was so devastating to be trying so hard and then have to give up because we were making no progress. 

Luckily, since we were afraid of the problem before it became one, we got most of our stuff to higher ground. It required us being up until 3am, wading through water, but we did it. Tuesday, we got this bad boy in the culdesac to help pump the water out of ours and 3 of our neighbor’s basements. 

The water was mostly gone after that, but that carpet is soup and there is water soaked up in about 12 inches of the sheetrock. There is a crew down there today stripping carpet, sheetrock and baseboards and drying everything out. 

There were some casualties, of course, including a couple boxes of stuff I had saved from our wedding and all our luggage. You better believe there have been waterworks several million times out of me. It’s been emotional. Our insurance company told us nothing was covered. Then another agent said it was. Then another wasn’t sure. 

But I’ve seen a lot in a different light. Once our power was on and we could see some of the devastating pictures on the news, it made my swimming pool of a basement seem like not that big of a deal. We’re safe. We have 2 other floors of our house and no one lost their cozy bed. 


I’ve realized I have held too much value in things and mementos that I’m never going to look at. That are sitting in boxes. That I was cursing at 2 am while we were trying to save them. I am purging the stuff like you wouldn’t believe. 


Yes, we’re cold. We can’t run the heat for 2-3 days to make sure the mold doesn’t spread through the vents. But we have electricity for our space heater and a snugly fireplace. 


Yes, it’s sad to see our first house that’s only 2 years old have so much destruction. But it’s a house, not a life. 


Yes, I’m irritated that our house is a disaster with basement stuff everywhere for Callan’s 1st Birthday. But that 1 day from 1 year old is happy and healthy. 


Yes, it’s an enormous hassle. And time. And money. But it could have been so much worse. 


And I’m so very thankful. 



Comments

  6. C says

    I'm so sorry that happened to you 🙁 Luckily it didn't get too bad in Rhode Island… Don't worry. I'm sure you will find humor in it 20 years from now when you're telling the story about Callan's first birthday!

    Good luck, xo

    C

  10. Lydia - Running Wild(er) says

    Glad to hear ya'll are safe! It's normal to feel emotional in situations like this but you have such a great outlook. Prayers that you have a smooth time with repairs and getting things back in order.

  12. "B" says

    oh no. water in the basement is NO fun. We had the same issue. Glad no one was injured and everyone is healthy. I do agree – I was pretty emotional until I heard from my friend in NYC that lost EVERYTHING and was stranded IN Manhattan (she has since made it out). I find a little wet basement to be minor. Prayers go to your family that everything is back in place in no time.

  15. Amber says

    oh I'm so sorry about all that you lost Molly, but kudos to you on trying to stay positive. So glad you guys are OK! xoxo

  16. Erin says

    I'm so sorry that you've had to deal with this Molly. I'm happy that y'all are safe though. It is okay to be upset about losing some things that you held near and dear to your heart. I commend you for being able to count your blessings despite this crazy mess.

  18. Andrea says

    So sorry to hear about the the damage! You are taking it in good stride! No matter how much things are just things…I always still get a bit sad when I have to give something away. Luckily you'll always have the memories. Hope you get that basement fixed up soon, but in the meantime I hope you have a great time celebrating your bebes birthday!

  20. Pamela M says

    I totally hear you! It takes times like this to remember that 'things' to not make up a life. Glad you guys are safe and your house is on its way back to normal! Hope your family in NY is OK, too!

  22. katelyngarlow says

    Hey Molly! I saw your blog on Neely's today and thought I would stop in and say hello. I am also a Southern transplant to DC (orig. NC) and felt like saying hey! haha I hope everything works out with your basement and your belongings are covered through your insurance. I am in Arlington and luckily missed most of the storm. I am super jealous of all your space though! 😉

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