As the remnants of Hurricane Ivan poured over the Tri-State area many were stunned as to the amount of rain that fell. Rivers, streams and creeks became torrents of destruction that brought disbelief and heart ache to many. People lost their homes, their businesses, and prized possessions that can never be replaced. But through all of the devastation something good did come about. We all witnessed neighbors helping neighbors, friends helping friends, communities helping communities and even strangers helping strangers. It is the latter that gives me most hope. I witnessed a very small gesture of strangers helping each other while collecting water at the spring just outside of town. When the water went off in town, I collected my containers and drove to the spring that is located just outside of Wellsville. I was not the only one with this idea as several cars were there as well. The creek that needed to be crossed to reach the spring was running fast and high and other than walking over a fallen log, you were sure to get wet. Maybe after I slipped and fell on my first trip back to my car triggered the young man that was there to help everyone else, but he walked across that tree and positioned himself in front of the spring asking people to hand him their containers as he stood there with his feet in that cold running water and filled containers for everyone there. When an appreciative woman and her mother-in-law tried to give him some money for his trouble he did his best not to take the money but the will of the ladies were too much. Some of us on the bank laughed and told him that he will learn as he gets older not to argue with a lady. I realize this is just a small token of help that I witnessed but I also know these little acts of kindness were happening all over the area. In times of disaster it is good to see people helping people. We may all have our differences in life but I think we all can learn from these disasters that we really are the same. Maybe we should all learn from this that it shouldn’t take a disaster to open our hearts and help each other. Just think how great our communities would be if we kept this spirit of support and togetherness all the time. As the flood waters have receded, and people start to put there lives back together, I hope the spirit of togetherness that has swept this valley will continue well beyond the clean up of the flood. I for one, will make an effort to continue the spirit of togetherness and support for our communities. My hope is that others join me and help make this great place we all call home even better.

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Recognition

Rick's article "Rainbow" was submitted to a web site for publishing as an e-card. Congratulations to Rick for a job well done. Click here to see the e-card E-mail Rick with your feedback about his award.  See Write Stuff below to send a comment.