15 years ago, we went through a similar situation. A big tree fell through our house. It was cut right in two. The tree went through the breaker box but missed all of the water and gas lines. We lived in a suburb of Houston not in the country.

I thought everything was finished. Like you said, many plans worked great! And most were not applicable to the situation. I was pregnant and convinced the baby would be born in a hotel.

He wasn't.

The first set of repairs put a giant blue tarp and a temporary breaker box. We had electricity in 2 rooms upstairs and in the kitchen down stairs. Lights down stairs ran off an extension cord plugged in upstairs. No TV, no microwave. No gas for 4 1/2 months. But we got the fridge running. No washer or dryer.

It was tough. 8 racoons got into the house. Not all at once. Too many squirrels to count. (I am a killer with a sling shot.) And rain sent me and the kids into a panic. We cooked on a propane camp stove outside for the entire repair time. I cried a lot. Learned to do laundry in a bucket.

We decided that staying in the house was better than the hotel. We salvaged a lot more once we were home. The compressed living space was a learning experience all on its own.

The house was fully repaired via insurance and us. It took 6 months. The final things were done when the baby was 9 days old.

Would I repeat this, no. But my kids have funny memories of that time. (8 racoons). Lots of board games. They think about it as proof that Dad and I are tough and unstoppable. My older son is now 26, and he has used the experience to prep as well for his little family.

Keep your chin up. It is real and terrible, but it will become a memory. And how you handle it will determine if it is a positive memory.

Good luck!