While linguists debunk the urban legend that an Asian symbol for crisis also means opportunity, recent weather events reveal catastrophe can open opportunity’s door. That’s evident in nearby Trego County. Just a month ago Wakeeney and area residents took cover as wind driven baseball size hail shattered windows, punched holes in roofs, and decimated vehicles. If you drive through town now, you see stacks of shingles lining neighborhoods and glass repair logos on vehicles parked around town. Clearly, some businesses are thriving.

After the initial shock after examining destroyed possessions, insurance agents and residents worked swiftly to put lives back together. This is a big task considering a local builder’s observation that over 900 homes averaged $20,000 dollars damage each. Keep in mind some buildings had more and others had less. That means a lot of roofers, window, guttering, siding repair folks, and painters are working long hours to put homes back to rights before cold weather sets in. Every street rings with the sounds of hammers and nail guns.

Almost every yard sports a sign advertising companies performing the work, and many include local names. Younger residents are watching out for elderly neighbors to make certain reputable businesses do the work. To discourage those who take advantage of others’ misery, the city assembled a list of accredited companies to guide selections. Well-staffed crews finish a roof a day before moving to the next job. In such an environment, new employees can gain experience and skills quickly, a benefit to them and the country.

Home repair companies aren’t the only ones benefitting from this catastrophe. Vehicles sustained as much damage as houses did, if not more. In many cases, insurance companies totaled out cars and trucks even though the mechanical parts worked. Second-hand parts dealers have purchased a number so they can repurpose functioning materials.

Car dealerships from as far away as Larned sent flyers to residents offering better than usual deals for drivers who must replace an auto. Due to sales volume after such a crisis, institutions can afford to offer lower prices without hurting their bottom line to those who lost transportation.

Service industries are booming. With extra laborers in town, motels, restaurants, gas stations, and quick shops are full of customers. Local employment opportunities have improved for the time being. I don’t know that the city charges for extra loads to the dump, but someone’s working plenty of hours to keep up with the volume of battered shingles, glass, and siding arriving daily.

More than anything, I’ve seen residents passing on one kindness after another. Folks wait patiently for their neighbor’s house to be restored, knowing their turn is coming. Relatives arrive from out of town to clean up messes and replace roofs and windows for loved ones who can’t. People inquire of one another, ask how things are going, and help despite their own troubles.
It will be awhile before life is back to normal and the echoes of noisy repairs become a distant memory. Despite the wait, out of despair hope shines. It’s a good thought to hang onto when the news is full of tragic stories.Out of Despair, Hope Shines