I know this is a blog about cats and ninety-five percent of the time it actually is. Though this post appears to have no connection whatsoever to felines, it actually does. I will explain at the conclusion of this post.
After days and days of it raining cats, dogs, otters, guinea pigs, squirrels, parrots, emus and flamingos, the Roanoke Valley, VA, flooded for the third time this spring/summer. We are currently running 12 inches over the normal rainfall for the entire year.
This is the Roanoke River. Tom took this photo three blocks from our house.
This bridge is in the same area. It crosses over the river about 20 feet above the river bed. It is part of the Roanoke Greenway and on our tandem route.
Another view of the bridge. Though the water has receded, this bridge is closed due to buckled and broken asphalt leading to it.
This is one of the low-water bridges we normally cross. The word on the part of the sign that’s underwater is “FLOODING.”
Unfortunately, one person lost their life during this flood. That person was the husband of Sara Stein, the President of our area TNR organization (Barn Cat Buddies) with which I am affiliated. He drowned Thursday while trying to clear a culvert drain in an attempt to keep the rising waters from reaching their home. Craig Ricker leaves not only Sara but also three step-sons, aged 10 to 18.
Please keep Sara, Sam, Jesse and Charlie in your prayers. Anyone wanting to make a donation to help Sara and her family or any of the foster kitties, can do so on the Barn Cat Buddies Facebook page.
I am so sorry for Sarah’s loss…being widowed twice I know the road she faces…I pray she has alot of support & people to care for her & the children during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Sherri-Ellen.
I am so sorry to read this. This is very sad. I hope the flood stops soon if it isn’t over yet.
We are sending lots of purrs to Sara and her family.
We are so sorry to hear about your friend who was working to prevent extra flooding. Hugs and purrs to his family and your organization.
Oh Noes!! Mom Linda has been in a flood when she was a child…no fun, nope, none whatsoever…hope you and all your family are OK
I’m so sorry to hear about this sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Hope the flooding ends soon.
How tragic. We are purring and praying for Sara and her family.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend; what a terrible tragedy.
So sorry to hear of the flood and the loss of Craig. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers as well. Hope you and all the kitties and safe and that the water recedes quickly.
Janet, I wanted to express my sympathies to you on the loss of your friend. May God give strength and comfort to Craig’s family at this most difficult time. Keeping all in my prayers
Laura
Oh, what a tragedy. We are so sorry to hear. Purrs and purrayers for his poor family.
Wow, that’s just terrible! Purrs to Sara and her family.
Oh heck! This looks bad 🙁
I am so sorry about your loss too, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of a good man, a father and a fellow soul.
* bows head respectfully *
Dash Kitten and Marjorie
We’re glad the floods were a ways from your home – Our blogs are a reflection of our lives and you should never worry about posting a current event like this. I found it very interesting to see the pictures, but so sad for the loss of your friend’s life. Best wishes to his family.
My nephew is working on the fire lines in Eastern WA this week – Oh, that we could trade you for some of your rain. T.
Oh! That is terrible. I feel for the family of this man!! Thoughts and prayers are with them. xox
Thank you Janet for your post about the tragic events of July 4th. Craig was a wonderful guy. A great friend to the animals, husband and father and he will be greatly missed.
What a tragic situation! Our thoughts are with your friend and her boys.
I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers go to Sara and her family.
Our prayers go out to Sara and her family.
Sending out good thoughts. So much devastation from the flooding and fires. It’s all very sad.
Hugs,
xo Catherine
What a tragedy. Our heartfelt prayers go out to Sara and the boys.
That is sad, sad, sad. We all send purrs, prayers and hugs to Sara and her family.
I am so sorry for this tragedy, and the loss of a life. Widespread devastation of drought last year, and now rampant flooding nationwide is just hard to fathom. My prayers are with you there.
Oh, how very sad! Our hearts go out to his family, and we will purr for them.
Oh my goodness that is so sad. We already had our years worth of rain here in PA. Dad and his Sisfur share a duplex and are always saying they are thankful about living where there are few natural threats.
We will visit and show our support.
Timmy Dad and Family
So sorry to hear about Sara’s husband.
Oh Dear God I am so terribly sorry for the loss of Sara’s husband. That is beyond heartbreaking. The photos are shocking, terrifying…….please stay safe
((((hugs)))))
What a very sad thing to hear – it’s bad enough when flooding occurs and causes the destruction of property but when someone loses their life it’s just that much more tragic. The flood is so close to your house too! Let’s hope now that most of that rain has let up – at least for now – the river will go back down and things can dry out a bit. I know we have more rain in our forecast up in Northern Virginia all next week but let’s hope and pray you won’t! Those photos are amazing. Take care of yourselves!
Pam and Sam
Mum and I are so sorry to hear that. Very sad.
Thoughts and purrs to his family and friends x
That is so awful that someone you know lost their life in this flood. Purrs to his family.
We are so sorry to hear about all the flooding, and even more sorry that someone lost their life 🙁
It’s been so hot and dry here in Colorado that we’ve had fire after fire after fire this year….too bad we can’t take some of your rain; it would help everyone.
Oh dear. Our hearts go out to Sara and her sons. What a terrible tragedy.
So sad! We had devastation near us earlier this summer. Flooding can bring so much devastation! We are sending purrs to the Ricker family. xoxo
Oh dear Janet so sorry to hear these sad news…I;m praying for your friend, his family and you! Hope things get back to normal soon!
Take care my friend, always
Lizy
So sorry to hear of the loss of Sara’s husband Craig. How sad, I will keep her in my thoughts.
Oh, how sad! I’m so sorry to hear this. Thank you, Janet, for bringing it to our attention. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.