Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Perspective

Last night as we were in town enjoying a movie, our winter chicken coop burned to the ground. The coop housed more than 100 two-month-old pullets (young chickens) that were to become our laying flock for next season. Thanks to the quick response and hard labor of my parents, the fire didn't spread to any other buildings, the closest of which is our house and the small high tunnel.  Blue and Luci are fine, and the current laying flock was unharmed.



So today we filed a claim with the insurance agent and then called the hatchery and ordered replacement chicks. The new babies will arrive around the 17th so we have 2 weeks to rebuild the coop, the plans for which are already on paper.

When something like this happens, it becomes all about perspective.

Its so sad to think of the loss of all those little birds, the waste of time and life, but it could have been so very much worse. My parents could have not seen it, it could have easily spread to the house or someone could have been injured in the fire. Had it happened today, instead of yesterday, the freezing temps would have made it so much harder to fight. In so many ways it could have been worse.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

So sorry, Jill. It was just over a year ago that we went through the same exact thing. We were blessed that our neighbors saw the flames or we, too, could have lost a lot more. We'll keep you in prayers. It's never easy dealing with loss.

Miss Effie said...

Oh Jill........... I have no words. Only (((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

How scary and devasting. Thanks for sharing your losses...I needed some perspective today.

Amy said...

Thank you, Jill, for taking the time to fill us all in on the happenings.

The fire and loss have been on my mind all day. Now, more than ever, I want to join the CSA to help support all the work you and Sean (and Blue and Luci) do to provide such wonderful sustinance.

Take care and please share the photos of the new chicks and the rebuild!!!!

Katie said...

I'm sorry for your loss! How frustrating! Thankfully the fire didn't spread.

Good luck getting back on your feet.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you're okay. When I look in the dictionary under the word "resilient" I bet I see your picture.
Julie

Teresa said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss. I'm amazed at what a wonderful attitude you have. It's that kind of outlook that makes the world better. Good luck getting ready for the replacements.

Judith said...

Jill, so sorry to hear about this. The stars must have been misaligned for sure --- virtually the same thing happened in Omaha the night before last at my daughter's house. Sparks from wood stove ashes blew & burned down the whole back section of their fence as well as a fair part of their neighbors' fence. They, as you, felt it could have been so much worse.....if the neighbors hadn't spotted it & called the FD. Sure hoping the Rule of Three does NOT apply here & I don't hear of one more in the next day or so. Sending hugs & positive thoughts that the rebuilding goes smoothly.

Catherine Grace, CHS said...

Wow, did this hit home. So far so good here on Bluestone Farm, but a reminder of how fragile all life is—for many reasons.

We captured a Cooper's Hawk yesterday, hopefully the one who has been plucking our chickens out of life one at a time over the past couple of weeks. Knowing how hard it was to find those little "lost lives", I can only imagine the sorrow over 100. And we certainly know the cost involved in rebuilding the coop and starting over with new chickens.

You are wonderful at seeing the gems twinkling in ashes, and here's one more: baby chicks are so delightful! (By the way, the fearless, majestic hawk was safely released about ten miles south of the farm. What a stunning creature.)

Michael Libbie said...

Jill and Sean - Sorry to hear about this. Some very touching responses to your loss. Being grateful is a gift...even at times like this. Take care.

BlueGate said...

Thanks all for your kind thoughts and words. The whole thing has been a little surreal, but the outpouring of support is truly inspirational!
The insurance agent has been and gone, so the real work will begin tomorrow and as always, the sun will rise.

Claire MW said...

Just catching up and feeling sad all over again after reading this post. The pictures are just so bleak. Your attitude is amazing - I'd be a blubbering mess. Hugs to you and Sean.

Pam in Monroe, WA said...

Wow...sending supportive energy across the miles. How encouraging your affirmation that we know the sun rises.