As a young child, I felt sad as the tide or an enthusiastic toddler demolished a sand castle that stood at the edge of the ocean. Today’s regret doesn’t begin to describe the feeling that sweeps over me as I watch the home of our neighbor of32 years being systematically devoured.

“Beep, beep, beep” echoes through the air as the excavation shovel is moved forward, swung carefully into place and crunches down the exterior wall of the home with a thud. Rooms are exposed.