First the rains came.
Weeks and weeks of rain. Much of it very driven rain.
Some of it torrential..
2 of the storms spawned tornadoes. One of those took out half of a town north of me, and killed 8. The other, in the far west of the state, hit a boy scout camp.
I cried, I sent all good thoughts their direction.
The rain stopped ...........for a few days. ....then the water came.
Dark, dirty, angry water in our river. With the power to rip houseboats out of bay moorings, collapse a metal train bridge, and leave 3000 people without homes. All of our Federal, state, county and city businesses may be gone. Police and Sheriff, court and jail-gone.Train signals, street signs ripped from the ground. Houses knocked off their foundations.
(We are fortunate-only one death....but most likely a heart attack trying to escape.Only one looting)
They tell us the air is toxic and when anyone enters the flood zone, an N95 or greater mask is DEMANDED of you.
There are people from all over this country here, big trucks pumping water, bulldozers and dump trucks. The city is a wreck.There is a 7 pm curfew in the flood damaged areas.
And, through it all, the old, young, female, male, white, black, Hispanic are working side by side each day to "gut" buildings, and salvage what can be salvaged. Wearing their tshirts, jeans and masks.....everyone looks the same.
We are all the same....
getting a job done....neighbors helping neighbors..
Caring,
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sloriver
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Jun 29 @ 3:37PM
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Tragedy brings people together and our differenced aren't so important any more. I'm deeply sympathetic to you folks who were the victims of the floods. I hope there will be a corresponding streak of good luck for you now. God bless.
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beckyiv42000
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Jun 29 @ 4:21PM
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Its amazing how in some parts of the country people come together in times of crisis   while in others ...people turn into animals...  they divide into groups trying to get the better of the other groups through looting rioting etc instead of working together yet it seems some places still believe in community and helping others and actually help themselves in the long run... keep safe Lor
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CrackerJackPat
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Jun 29 @ 5:44PM
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Sorry to hear you got caught in all of the floods also.
My prayers are with you, my friend.
I trust you are not among the homeless?
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kattsmeow
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Jun 29 @ 5:53PM
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All the things we read or hear in the news, and then this. People side by side no matter what color or creed helping.
It makes you believe again huh?
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mailorderannie
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Jun 29 @ 6:46PM
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Loreli
Its no where near as bad here as you have it there...and its bad...BUT I've seen the absolute best in people the past 3 weeks. I've had strangers deliver food to my door and left me not only with a hot meal but a hug as well. Money has come from strangers as well. Unfortunately, stress brings out the worst in people sometime too and the warm fuzzies eventually wear off ...I hope this doesn't happen in your community.
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missliss78
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Jun 29 @ 10:35PM
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everyone looks the same.
Loreli, With the subject matter being what it is, I almost hate to say "good blog," but the fact remains that it is.
I am reminded of when I visited my friend in southern Illinois last fall...
She'd stopped in at a drug store & I waited outside for her...noticing people coming & going. Later I said to her...Despite the fact that we are all so different, no matter where you go, we are still all the same.
I am so sorry for all of the devastation you & so many others are having to deal with.
Although I cannot be there to assist or whatever, I am sending all of the positive thoughts that I can in hopes that all is in order for everyone again soon.
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Ginstl
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Jun 29 @ 10:51PM
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It's almost incomprehensible until it actually happens to you.
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imlost2
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Jun 29 @ 10:52PM
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These natural disasters are just horrible year after year and not letting up to let us recover it's awful. The effects it's having on people and crops are just as bad. I'm sorry for all you are going thru. Oklahoma and the west is having effects now from draught that we had last summer. I don't know what's going to happen with no corn now with much needed ethanol. Not to mention houseing. ahhhh, to much to think about. Just pray I guess and hope the government has it together and the people like you say. I know the churches down here are sending people and supplies up north constantly. TC Lost
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johnspirit
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Jun 30 @ 12:13AM
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aw...
Dear Loreli,
I'm so sorry for the devastation, for all.
It's like an irish blessing,
that people come together so well under such tragedy.
There's little to say.
If I can help you in any way, lemme know.
The best to you and yours, as you deserve.
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SunBabe
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Jun 30 @ 2:15AM
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Lor~ This is a beautiful piece of writing...and a wonderful observation.
Thank you for sharing. And caring. 
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daisy315
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Jun 30 @ 6:30AM
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good blog.. my heart goes out to all affected by the floods..
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SaintBacon
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Jun 30 @ 9:12AM
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Great Blog Loreli! It's amazing how the worst in weather can bring out the best in people!
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wandaful123
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Jun 30 @ 9:45AM
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~*~
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SpiritEnergy
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Jul 1 @ 10:26AM
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That is the good side of all disasters. The coming together and the community. The sharing of the load and distress. The harmony of obviously different types of people. It shows us what CAN be. Makes me think the planet is trying to teach us something. Maybe if we do not 'get' it, the planet will shrug us off.
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Palomino
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Jul 1 @ 8:43PM
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A devastating disaster...a most excellent blog. ~*~
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Snappygoddess
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Jul 2 @ 11:38AM
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I have never been in a flood but it sounds very frightening. I am so glad that you survived, my friend. In a time of devastation, sometimes all we have is each other to depend on.
Thanks for giving us a slight insight as to what your town went through.
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