The day our house flooded while I was 4000 miles away

"There's a burst pipe and the house is flooded" was the call I received at 9pm on a Tuesday evening. And flooded was a perfect description. Waterfalls cascading through the ceilings, and water inches deep in the basement - all the while I was sat 4000 miles away on a different continent celebrating my daughter's 1st birthday. The following 3 hours was a test of endurance: not physical, but emotional. Sit with the idea that your house is on the way to ruin, but that you are able to do nothing physically yourself to help.

Two thoughts emerged from that situation:

1. How quickly one establishes what's really important in life, and that material things, up to and including the place that keeps you warm, safe and sheltered, are irrelevant when you have those that you love in your company.

2. What others will do to help you, when you really need it. People who are willing to give their time, energy and personal sacrifice in order to assist in your own time of need.