Caught in the rubble
ROSE HILL, Manchester:
IT CAN’T be easy having to worry when it rains and having to pray for the sun to experience comfort; it can’t be easy to hear, ‘ There’s nothing we can do to fix your problem’; it can’t be easy knowing there’s possibly no way to help yourself out of a situation that seems almost impossible
This is the reality for 49-yearold Pauline Heron and her children, who had their house severely damaged by a hurricane some years ago. The partially failing structure can be seen from a mile away as it slowly continues to weaken with the progression of time.
“I born come see this house. It’s a family house. Most, if not all, a di structure is dirt. It’s been through a lot and it has done its time.”
Heron, who can’t remember specific details about the night her life would change so much, relayed bits and pieces of the horrid night.
“We were in bed, listening and watching out every now and again, hoping we would go through it, but in the wee hours, we just see di roof lift off and a section cave in. Somehow I wasn’t surprised, cause as me say, is a old house and no matter the preparations you make, it would a still get damaged,” she told Rural Xpress.
The family did what they could that night to endure the hurricane then picked up the pieces, literally, in the morning.
With hope that what the hurricane left in its wake could be salvaged, the family contacted repair men but ended up getting news they never bargained for.
“We had some people who come here and tell us that the house can’t be repaired. They told me the structure would have to be hit down and have the house rebuilt because it can’t take any repair.”
Sick and ailing both physically and emotionally, Heron had no idea what her next move would be.
“I’m a farmer and that is how I get my little earnings. Before, I was a house help, but since being sick, I have to stop. I don’t have any crops tending to now. I will have to start up again, but that is how I earn my little dollar. It isn’t much but it helps at times. Right now me farm down and me know me haffi go try set it up again.”
With two sets of twins, boys 15 years old and the girls 12 years old, Heron is appealing for assistance to get a comfortable dwelling.
“My children’s father help us out, but I really need somewhere for me and my children to stay in – just us. I really really need it ... nutn lavish, just somewhere we can be comfortable,” she said.