“We’ve misplaced loads however we’ve saved some issues too,” their daughter Monica mentioned.
Greater than 240 properties had been flooded in Maribyrnong on Friday. Many victims have chosen to quickly transfer out throughout the cleanup, however Sue and Hon have refused to depart their home of virtually 40 years. They proceed to sleep on the second degree, the place many of the residing areas are.
Sue and Hon Louey have been working on daily basis for as much as 16 hours because the floods hit on Friday.Credit score:Luis Enrique Ascui
Their kids mentioned they had been nervous about them residing within the broken property, however they understood why they stayed.
“We’ve supplied to maneuver them as a result of it’s soiled, smelly they usually don’t have scorching water, however they don’t need to go,” Monica mentioned. “It’s their residence. It’s a must to respect what they need. Their precedence proper now could be to revive their residence.”
Their son, Mark, added:“It’s emotional however mum and pop are protected, that’s the primary factor they usually determined to remain right here.”
Mopping up a flood-ravaged house is a gargantuan job at any age, not to mention if you’re aged 83 and 85, but it surely’s fully in Hon and Sue’s character to be working so arduous with the clean-up.
The leather-based suitcase sits on high of a pile of dumped possessions that didn’t survive.Credit score:Luis Enrique Ascui
Monica mentioned that, regardless of having ample assist on provide, her mother and father “don’t know the way to not work”. They’ve run eating places and till a couple of years in the past operated a laundromat.
“Just about so long as they’ll bear in mind, they’ve labored. They labored as kids and thru their grownup lives,” Monica mentioned.
“So regardless that it’s not a really wise factor to do at their age, to get them to relaxation is sort of not possible.
“They’re very resilient folks, they’ve been by means of wars, they’ve skilled hardships all through their lives they usually got here to a rustic not with the ability to converse the language.”
Sue and Hon Louey have lived within the Clyde Avenue residence for nearly 40 years.Credit score:Luis Enrique Ascui
Mark agreed. “That’s simply mum and pop. That’s what they do, they’ll’t sit nonetheless for a second regardless that they’re of their 80s. It’s simply of their nature.”
If they’re feeling bodily sore, you wouldn’t realize it. Sue and Hon usually are not ones to complain.
Nonetheless, having solely simply gotten again on their ft after coping with COVID-19 isolation and grief over the deaths of shut family and friends, this newest tragedy is devastating.
Loading
“We’re upset and nervous about what’s subsequent to come back,” Sue mentioned.
When The Age visited, an ice cream truck stopped by providing free treats. Sue mentioned she was grateful for all the assistance she and Hon had been receiving.
“They’re excellent. Individuals maintain bringing meals, drink,” she mentioned.
Pat Ardino, who lives in an unaffected a part of Maribyrnong, didn’t know the Loueys earlier than Saturday but he has been at their home on daily basis since to assist them. For him, the couple is deeply inspiring.
“Their perspective is so optimistic,” Ardino mentioned. “At their age they might simply sit and do nothing however they’re out right here, slowly persevering and getting the job completed.”
Monica Louey along with her mum, Sue.Credit score:Luis Enrique Ascui
Monica beamed with pleasure.
“They by no means need something for themselves and are at all times very grateful for anybody who does something for them,” she mentioned.
“Not too many 80-year-olds may do all this. I believe my mother and father are wonderful folks.”
The Morning Version e-newsletter is our information to the day’s most necessary and fascinating tales, evaluation and insights. Join right here.
