Stucco Schmuck-o

Almost exactly two years ago we awoke after a stormy night in our home of two months to find water dripping in the family room windows and soaking the sheetrock, carpet and hardwood. We spent that first winter here in Utah, catching water with towels and diagnosing the problem- faulty stucco installation.
In February 2006 we had significant repairs performed around all the windows in the house and initiated a lawsuit against the former owners who now live in MA. Honestly, the lawsuit was a difficult experience for me. I felt ill every time I had to work on it and forced myself to compartmentalize and put it aside during the periods of waiting.
Last fall, when the winter storms started again, we realized that, although the water incursion was greatly reduced, we still had problems. We spent another winter and spring catching water, documenting patterns, and worrying that the walls were rotting inside. Meanwhile, the lawsuit dragged on in time and expense.
Over the summer, we finally scheduled and trial date, and at that point the former owners cried, 'Uncle." I would like to say that we kicked their butts and that the setttlement amount paid for all our losses and a vacation besides, but, alas, it did not. We did as well as was possible, I think and having it overwith is priceless.
After extensive water testing and infra-red analysis, we determined that the entire back side of the house would need to be torn off and new a new stucco system installed. As the work commenced, we were grateful to find no rot or mold. The work is almost done and I look forward to a watertight winter season.
I have grown a lot during this experience. I have had to force myself to not let this problem overshadow my whole life. I have learned that a problem can be absorbing and urgent, but not important from a global or eternal perspective. I have relied on prayer and inspiration to guide us throught the risks of the lawsuit and the unknowns of the contractors and the repairs.
I am looking forward to being able to enjoy my house, which I really like and feel blessed to have. I am looking forward to enjoying stormy weather again. And, I am looking forward, next spring, to landscaping the backyard, planting a garden, and spending time out there on shady summer evenings.