Inspired by so many of my fellow Nashvillians, I spent some time this weekend with flood victims; people whose resiliency amazes me. I was humbled, sorrowful and a bit stunned all at once. The reality of loss hits hard when you find yourself walking down streets that seem more like third world disaster areas. I saw people's lives stacked up in dusty piles in their front yards. I saw children's toys and furniture destroyed; ripped apart by the sheer force of rushing water. I saw cyclone fences with debris embedded so tightly that it looked like an archaic paper mache design.
I saw people working hard; even smiling - repairing what was left of their homes and demonstrating the kind of courage we only find when we are stripped of the choice. When the pieces have to be gathered and reassembled quickly; without the time for tears and grief and mourning.
My group was handing out ice cream and drinks to these ravaged neighborhoods which seems almost insignificant when faced with such despair. However, on a hot, dirty afternoon, cold, sweet ice cream or lemonade can seem mighty close to heaven. One family, sitting on the floor in an empty house sat with a fan, drying out the family photos. From the look of the home, that may well have been all that was saved.
Another woman, through both smiles and tears told me an amazing story of her faithful German Shepherd, Rebel, barking protectively as we approached. Rebel saved her daughter's life. When the waters got so dangerously high, this woman had handed over Rebel's leash to the daughter, and Rebel had "swam her out". This devoted animal had taken over when this woman could not. What a story - and Rebel is not a puppy. He turned nine on 9/9/09, she told me. "Rebel is no ordinary dog; he's a gift." In all that she'd lost, this woman understood gratefulness on a level that most of us won't ever be called to.
When asked the awkward "How are you doing?" question, there were only positive responses. "We are fine." "We're doing good." "We are lucky." Yes,"Lucky." I suppose in the big scheme of things, there were varying degrees of luck or fate. I wonder if I could have uttered that word if I were in their shoes.
And there I stood - witnessing monumental grief and profound appreciation; tears of sorrow and tears of joy and hope. There amidst the shattered lives and homes of many who didn't have a lot to begin with; here am I. I, who have been blessed when I do not deserve it. I, who have been given gifts for which I would have been too ignorant to ask. I, with my ice cream in hand and my car waiting to drive me home.
Home to my house here in Tennessee. Though I am not a native, and I hold my gulf coast roots dear, I am inspired and amazed at the nature of the people of this state, and I have become so proud to be one of them. I have seen examples of the grace capable of the human spirit and generosity that goes beyond obligation, and I am better for having seen it. I've seen the presence of God through the triumph and tragedy in the span of a devastated city block. I've seen "loving your neighbor" in action. I've seen it in Tennessee.
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