Jennifer Jundt, Minot
As the anniversary of the 2011 flood approached there was much in the way of "a year ago" news coverage and planned celebrations. I think it is a great thing to celebrate the progress Minot has made and how as a community we have pulled together and stood by each other to come back from such devastation.
My heart still breaks for those who have not been able to get back on their feet, for those homes that appear to have been forgotten about and for the families to whom they belong.
I am the oldest child of seven; all but one of us lost our homes to the flood waters. Last year at this time we all sat watching the waters rise and patiently waited for it to recede. Two of us kids rented homes, one of us owned a home and three of the children still lived at home with Mom and Dad. That home of Mom and Dad's has been home to our family for 27 years. None of us kids had a clue what we would walk into once the water was gone, but Dad was prepared with generators, boots, gloves and shop vacs. It was the most horrible view we saw but we were raised to not complain or place blame; it doesn't change the position we were placed in, it is what it is.
Our dad was right on top of things and due to his line of work he knew the steps that needed to be taken to put this house back together. Week by week things came together. There was always a "to do" list hanging on a 2 x 4 for any of us kids when we stopped by. And, as a family, we pulled it together and moved them back in on Thanksgiving Day. Pride we had that day when we placed an X over the word "coming" on our yard sign. We were back home, but still modest enough to make sure that the neighbors knew if they needed a source of water or electricity that they were more than welcome to hook up to the house for whatever they needed.
Sorry if I seem like I'm rambling on. I really just want you to know we appreciate the extra time you gave us to get our things out, for showing emotion and compassion for all the families that were to be affected by the water coming down the river channel. I am proud to say that we, the city of Minot, were and are in good hands with you as our mayor. The way you handled yourself before, during and after the flood says great things about your character and your faith in our community. So as a citizen of Minot, I wanted to thank you for every thing you've done on behalf of the city of Minot. It was and is appreciated.
May God bless you and your family for your dedication to your job as mayor of Minot.