Today’s topic arose from recent events resulting in our oldest daughter arriving suddenly on our doorstep seeking refuge.  For my wife and I, empty nestors since 2006 (ten years), this was a bit of a shock.

This surprise visit was compounded by the grandaughter and son-in-law she dragged with her.  Oh joy , the population of our home more than doubled overnight.  All because of a few  wildfires in Fort McMurray Alberta.

Before the comments start rolling, I definitely have tongue firmly in cheek.  If a little humour is not needed in the face of such an enormous natural disaster, then I don’t know when it is appropriate.

As an aside, on occassion I have been said to be a bit of inappropriate with my humour on occassion.  But hey, I am definitely no Lenny Bruce  (google it if you are not sure who he was).

Evacuee or Refugee

A little browsing of the Internet makes it clear I am not the first to stumble over the distinction between these terms.  For me the confusion arises from the fact evacuees are forced to leave and seek refuge elsewhere, while refugees are forced to leave and seek refuge elsewhere.  Sounds very similar.

And the answer is

Kudo’s to my wife for pointing out that refugees generally have no intention to return.  In fact,  usually they intend for their refuge to become or at least lead to a new home.

Evacuees have every intention to return and rebuild.  This of course is the case for my daughters family or at least I hope so!  For me the sooner the better of course ( just kidding, inner voice).

A sincere thank you

To all those who have opened their homes to strangers ( like our youngest daughter) or helped in some other way, good for you.  Now if we can only get rid of our kids (again).