Before clearing snow. Photo used with permission from Martha Curran.
Another indoor collapsed last weekend. All the horses got out safely after what must have been many hours of harrowing labor and much worry for all involved. This was one of many here in New England — Massachusetts, in particular. We lost our indoor two Sundays ago and are still reeling from the ramifications.
We’ve gotten almost 100 inches of snow in less than 30 days. And, in those 30 days, we’ve experienced the second coldest month on record (coldest month was in 1875). Do you have any idea what 100 inches of snow looks like? Oh we’re a hardy bunch, us New Englanders, but this is too much — another roof collapse, another barn rescue and another fund account established.
After 16 people … Photo used with permission from Martha Curran.
One barn quoted these numbers: 16 people, two snow blowers, two plastic shoots and over 20 hours to remove the snow. Another barn took two days with a team of 10. And, if you drove by any of these barns, I’m not sure you could guess the depth of that snow. It is just that mind boggling.
When we lost our indoor, it felt like someone had died. We all moved around the barn in stunned “silence,” each of us harboring our own secret concerns and still trying to be strong for the owners. We could always move but, for them, this was their home, their business and their dream.
Will these barns survive? Can they rebuild? What of their dreams? What of the people they inspire to have a dream? What will happen to them?
Roof top at Davis Farm, Bedford, Massachusetts. Photo by Lisa Samoylenka.
So, I ask you … do not judge! Do not second guess folks’ decisions … For one moment, imagine yourself in the same position, with the same limitations — either money, manpower or time — and in that one moment, find compassion, love and leave your judgment behind.
And for you folks here in New England, go out and hug your barn owner. This has been a devastating year for them even if the barns/indoors are still standing.
In a tiny miracle, my friend’s brother bumped me ahead of his other clients and removed the snow off the roof of my house. I waited too long because of the fear of how much it would cost. He came, cleaned off TONS of snow and ice, and charged me a reasonable fee. I am one of the lucky ones.
