By Marly Driskell
I wanted to share with you my personal journey through Hurricane Harvey. While we are on the other side of the rain and wind, and the floods are receding, there is much to do toward healing and rebuilding. Your continued support and prayers will be needed for many, many days to come.
I was blessed to be safe and completely dry and so was my whole family. After losing almost everything in a flood last year, my heart broke over the devastation that I saw unfolding. I cried so many times for those who were experiencing the hurricane and its devastation. My mom voluntarily evacuated a few days in because she didn’t want to be evacuated by boat. She was able to come and stay with me. We needed to be there for each other. Luckily she was able to return home. A drive that would normally take 20-minutes using one freeway took her closer to an hour and she had to take three different freeways in order to get home.
So many times I just felt so helpless. Since my apartment complex was not affected at all, I spoke with the manager about an idea to help others. We set up a clothing drive to assist those around us. As some of the roads began to open up, we were able to get out and help as needed. It has been amazing watching neighbors helping neighbors and strangers alike.
It helped that I was able to return back to work. Seeing the kids in my life, hearing their stories of having to hide out during the tornados, and the wonderful way they responded to gathering up toys for donations. They understood that some children lost everything. In all things, there are lessons to be learned.
Thank you to those who have donated, volunteered, and personally reached out to us here in southeast Texas. We’ve been blessed with the overwhelming support that has poured in from all over the country and the world! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as this region moves through clean-up and onto rebuilding.
Hurricane Irma has already devastated the island nations of the Caribbean. The current expectation is that it will track to hit Florida at some point. Regardless of its path people will be hurting, needing help, needing support. Please consider how you can play a role.
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