And Then There Was Blue Sky

It took me hours to write this post today. It is so hard to find words to express how I feel.

Harvey has finally passed, leaving in its path a giant swath of destruction.  Last night, for the the first time in days, we were greeted with receding water and blue sky and many of our neighbors were out walking about checking up on each other. It has been less than a week but it seems like it has been a lifetime since life was normal.

Everyone here had tragic stories to tell about friends and family who lost everything. Last night one of our neighbors told us that their son and daughter-in-law weren't able to get out of their neighborhood and had to stand in their one-story house in 18 inches of water waiting to be rescued. They had a blow-up mattress between them holding their two cats and one dog. When they finally got rescued they wanted nothing more than to get to their parent's house, but it was completely impossible until late last night.

One of my parent's friend just called them and said their house was underwater and they didn't think they could get back there for days/weeks since there was a bridge collapse in that area.

Paul's friend in Rockport lost her entire house and clinic to the hurricane and has already moved to San Antonio and started working and has no plans ever to return. She escaped with the clothes on her back and her family and nothing else.

I have heard tragic story after tragic story like everyone else. Houston is a huge town and I bet most of you reading this has family or friends in this area or know someone who does. I hope they are all safe.

Our house and Paul's clinic received no flood damage and we are so thankful. But at the same time as I feel this great sense of relief, I also can't stop thinking about everyone affected by this storm that were not fortunate like my family. And the storm hasn't even finished and has just moved on to to cause more destruction east of us.  

Last night and today I have spent hours watching videos of my town under water. People with their children and pets getting rescued while standing in waist-deep dirty water. Subdivisions filled with family homes under water... Houston a giant lake with small islands. And I realize we won't know the true amount of devastation for some time.

I was born in Houston and have lived in the Houston area most of my life. I have moved away a few times for school and work, but have always come back.  This is my home and I love this town. And I know it will come back. Scarred and exhausted and scared for the future, but it will be rebuilt. This country needs Houston back and strong.

I hope everyone is safe out there. And I want to thank all of the amazing heroes out there who risked their own life to save others. And all of the generous people who have provided financial aid and comfort to those in need. These last days have left me weak emotionally and physically, but it has once again reminded me how people are simply incredible. This horrific storm showed once again that normal people are heroes in time of need. And God bless all of you.

Thanks to all of you who are helping! Here is a list of shelters and other resources if you want to help support Houston and the surrounding areas.