Christmas Tsunami...in the Family Room

Gather round folks and let me do tell
Of this fateful Christmas that went strait to hell
It started off pleasant..as sweet as could be
With hubby and me and our dear family
Gathered in Florida 'round the big Christmas tree
Opening gifts and sharing such fun
We had not an inkling of what was to come.
Our newly born grandson filled us with joy
And we cuddled and cooed and kissed the dear boy.

Enjoying Christmas at the home of our daughter
Soaking up sunshine, palm trees and salt water.
We sipped Margaritas as the day stretched forth
And gave nary a thought to our own home up north.
We laughed and made merry til evening was nigh
Then reluctantly bid our loved ones goodbye.
I remained in Florida at a condo we own
But my working-guy husband flew back to our home.

Hubby arrived late, bone-tired and freezing
It was snowing and blowing and he began sneezing.
As he unlocked the front door to our house, he said:
"Can't wait to take a hot bath and jump into bed"
But alas...dear readers...the night would not end thus
Because suddenly the horrors of hell were thrust upon us.

My phone rang without mercy in the black of the night
It was hubby screaming that all was not right.
"The house is all flooded," his voice edged with doom
"We've had a tsunami...in the family room!"

A main pipe in the ceiling had burst like Niagra Falls
Water exploded all over and gushed down the walls.
It drenched everything from furniture to floor
Flooding bedroom, office, family room and more.
The force was so furious, it ripped off the drywall,
Knocked down the ceiling like a perfect-storm squall.
Paintings, lamps, flat screen TV and computers...floating about
Submerged in water high as an elephant's snout.
Like a raging river too wild to manage 
We need a submarine to explore the damage.
Everything's soaked and covered in fallen plaster
In all our lives, we've never experienced such a disaster.

Poor hubby was beside himself as he spoke
I was worried to death he might have a stroke
Somehow he managed to assess the situation
Called a plumber and ServPro to clean up the devastation.

It will be months before all is restored back to normal 
Hubby told me not to return cuz the house looks so awful
He said: "You'll be too upset when you see the huge mess"
But I confess I'm already insanely distressed.
Filled with fear, heartbreak and dread
I'm afraid to see what lies ahead.
A lifetime of possessions...sodden beyond saving
Yet at this point it's no use ranting and raving.
It is what it is and we try not to despair
Water can't wash away memories forged there.

Soon I'll return to the house of our dreams 
Praying that out of this nightmare a silver lining gleams
I was hoping for an uncomplicated Christmas this year
Relaxing in Florida with flipflops and beer
Where the weather is peaceful, bright and balmy.
Up North we expect blizzards but an indoor tsunami??
So count all your blessings and whatever arises
Know that life often blindsides with outrageous surprises.
I'm trying to keep a sense of humor but my patience wears thin
When I said I'd like a pool....I meant outdoors--not IN!
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