Ann Seymour: Finding Home Again
Donation protected
So many people have done so much to help. Many more have asked how they can help. So here I am, against every lifelong instinct I have: Asking for the help people want to give. My precious home is probably lost to me. The impact of massive trees on that little 1941 hot bunk house was more than it could take. It tried so hard. I have been able to save precious family items, and a few pieces of wooden or rod iron furniture. But everything else is lost. Almost all of my clothing, including my shoes and boots; any “winter wear” including coats and jackets.
All of my bedding, including both mattresses/box springs, most bedroom furniture, my desk, all upholstered chairs, sofa, many lamps, curtains, blinds, pillows, cushions, rugs, and appliances, (vacuum, Dirt Devil, mixer, toaster oven) and virtually all other kitchen items. I lost all my tools, too. My TV and computer. Maus’s bed, toys, clippers, and so forth. I lost my portfolio and years of samples of my work - irreplaceable, but I wanted to give you the complete picture of my heartbreak.
The adjustor told me to plan on needing housing for 9 or 10 months. He might as well have said “for 20 years.” On top of all the other costs I’m facing, paying rent for either 9 months or 20 years feels like the same level of impossible. Insurance may help with some of this. I'm awaiting more info on that, but for now, this is where I am.
Heroic efforts by the smartest, hardest-working friends old and new prevented my losing everything, but it's a ton of stuff to replace. I have no idea what, if anything, my insurance will cover, as I’m not sure if tree removal and demolition are deducted from the dwelling limit, and that would cut substantially into an already tight rebuild fund (if they give me the max allowed by the policy).
I am eternally grateful, but scared. Living without a safety net, no home, untethered. After having to start over just 12 years ago, I know the challenges ahead. My little 1,000 square foot cottage was my joy, refuge and focus. As a single woman, it is a struggle to maintain a home. You live by your wits, but it's so worth it. And that's where I will put my energy and any and all resources: finding my sense of home once again.
Thank you, dear ones, for any help you can provide. I can’t tell you how much it means. It’s unquantifiable, but also everything.
All of my bedding, including both mattresses/box springs, most bedroom furniture, my desk, all upholstered chairs, sofa, many lamps, curtains, blinds, pillows, cushions, rugs, and appliances, (vacuum, Dirt Devil, mixer, toaster oven) and virtually all other kitchen items. I lost all my tools, too. My TV and computer. Maus’s bed, toys, clippers, and so forth. I lost my portfolio and years of samples of my work - irreplaceable, but I wanted to give you the complete picture of my heartbreak.
The adjustor told me to plan on needing housing for 9 or 10 months. He might as well have said “for 20 years.” On top of all the other costs I’m facing, paying rent for either 9 months or 20 years feels like the same level of impossible. Insurance may help with some of this. I'm awaiting more info on that, but for now, this is where I am.
Heroic efforts by the smartest, hardest-working friends old and new prevented my losing everything, but it's a ton of stuff to replace. I have no idea what, if anything, my insurance will cover, as I’m not sure if tree removal and demolition are deducted from the dwelling limit, and that would cut substantially into an already tight rebuild fund (if they give me the max allowed by the policy).
I am eternally grateful, but scared. Living without a safety net, no home, untethered. After having to start over just 12 years ago, I know the challenges ahead. My little 1,000 square foot cottage was my joy, refuge and focus. As a single woman, it is a struggle to maintain a home. You live by your wits, but it's so worth it. And that's where I will put my energy and any and all resources: finding my sense of home once again.
Thank you, dear ones, for any help you can provide. I can’t tell you how much it means. It’s unquantifiable, but also everything.
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Organizer
Ann Seymour
Organizer
Wilmington, NC
