when the water recedes
i recently drove around my little town, weeks after the historic flood from hurricane harvey. the streets were eerily bare except for some city crews cleaning up debris and the occasional citizen gazing at the devastation. the sun has been shining since the storm, the breeze blowing and the temperatures even feeling like fall at times. the days have been beautiful but the scene on the front lines of those affected is still dark with the prospect of light on the horizon unpredictable. all seem to have been forced back to normal life. well, whatever normal means at this point. businesses are scratching their heads trying to figure out how to rebuild. and the local officials, i imagine, now enter unprecedented waters to try and figure out how to help their citizens through this unimaginable tragedy. the immediate aftermath and heroic efforts on behalf of this community gained great attention, rightfully. and if any good can come from disaster, the way this community demonstrated love and generosity is it.
how long will it take for this town and each affected individual truly get back on their feet? and how do you stretch the support to endure the rebuilding process?