“The garage collapsed and blew away and one of the vehicles was a total loss,” Callie Schoenherr said. “Debris was everywhere—glass, insulation, shingles—every window was blown out upstairs. It was a mess.”
Damage to the home was extensive. The foundation, most of the basement and walls on the first floor were still intact, but everything else was gutted down to the frame before the family could rebuild. Callie Schoenherr credits her parish with helping the family cope with the tragedy.
“Some gracious parishioners from church put us up for several nights; another family lent us the use of their home for a short time while they were out of town,” she said. “We eventually found a place to rent until our house was rebuilt; last week we were able to move back in. We’re so thankful to be home.”
Some families remain displaced and face the prospect of more months passing before they can move back. Such is the case for Kathy and Michael Zrubek who have run into some challenges in trying to get their house rebuilt.
The Zrubek home was a total loss and had to be torn down to the foundation. They have settled with their insurance company and are approved for low interest loans, but getting the construction going has been tough.
“First we had to get some quotes on building,” Kathy Zrubek said. “We spoke with several committees … and then we were told by the city that because we tore down the house to the foundation we’d be classified as a ‘new construction project,’ which meant added cost. It’s been quite an ordeal.”
Eventually, the building committee managed to locate the original builder who contacted the Zrubeks and agreed to rebuild their house for them. According to Kathy Zrubek, construction can begin as soon as they receive their permit.
“Hopefully, we’ll be in by April,” she said.
For the time being the Zrubeks, along with their four children, are staying in a rental nearby. Kathy Zrubek said that while the children have looked at the process as an adventure, they’re anxious to get back into their home. They maintain their outlook with cheer, a laugh or two and help from their friends.
“We take it one day at a time,” Kathy Zrubek said. “Faith has a lot to do with it. It shores me up when nothing else will. We get so much moral support from the church and the people—it’s the one thing in our life that has been consistent and keeps us grounded.”
Printed with permission from the Denver Catholic Register.
John Gleason writes for the Denver Catholic Register.