I’m sure it is obvious that while it’s November for those reading this, it is just the first of October for me. While my column usually touches more on grandparent/grandchildren topics, this one will focus on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The damage done to property is horrific – homes that are reduced to nothing but rubble and families displaced not knowing when or if they will ever be able to rebuild. Far worse is the number of lives lost.
My parents moved to Florida for my dad’s career a year after I was married. Eventually, they moved into a wonderful condo that overlooked the bay. They lived through a couple of hurricanes without incurring any damage. My mother continued to live there after my dad passed away. She happened to be in Texas visiting her sister when Hurricane Ivan unleashed its power. We were grateful she was not at home. My sister and I arrived several days later to assess the damage while Mom was still in Texas unable to get a flight back home. As we drove to Pensacola, it was obvious that the destruction of homes and buildings was immense.
Arriving at the condominium, we were pleasantly surprised at its outward appearance. Fortunately, the apartment was only on the second floor because the elevator was out as the power had not yet been restored. There were two doors that entered into her apartment. My sister and I entered through the kitchen and were pleasantly surprised to find no damage. There didn’t appear to be any in the dining or living rooms either. It all changed when we stepped into the foyer and found ourselves sloshing through water from there to the back wall. All three bedrooms were standing in water. The force of the storm had bent the hurricane shutters allowing water to pour through the now unprotected windows. In recalling how we both felt at seeing the damage, inside and outside the building, it makes me keenly aware that as hard as it was to see, it doesn’t compare to what Hurricane Helene unleashed on several states.
This is a time when everyone who is able should be helping those in need. It is important that we come together in this crisis. It is also a good time for our children and grandchildren to understand that the needs of others sometimes outweigh our own. Maybe, they give a week of allowance or donate some clothes they never wear or toys they don’t play with anymore. Let them pick out some non-perishable grocery items, especially water, to be delivered to groups collecting supplies that will make their way to those hardest hit.
Even though it has now been more than a month since the hurricane hit, it will likely be years before most areas return to any semblance of normalcy. My son-in-law, through their church, set up a collection center that, through word-of-mouth and a service project he serves with, filled five cars and a van on one day and as many the following day, both delivered to the western part of the state. My daughter’s office did the same and filled a large truck. This will be needed over and over again.
It is so hard to see the eradication of what were once beautiful cities and towns and not feel the anguish of those who survived but are now destitute. One woman who was interviewed said she filled out a form in order to receive the $750 allocated by our government. She was told after her claim was processed that it would be deposited in her account in 10 days. It’s a good thing people far and wide have shown up and done more! It is gratifying to see our concern for our neighbors. I hope and pray it continues as long as there is a need.
