Life can change in a moment. One day you’re healthy and the next day your life is transformed by an accident or diagnosis that will forever affect the quality of your life. One day you have a beloved parent or friend, loved one, pet… and the next day you no longer have their comforting presence or their unconditional support.
And in what feels like moments, you can find your home flooded, or worse – gone, and your valued possessions ruined. Nature has no mercy and it doesn’t play favorites, much as we’d like to believe that when our house is sound while a neighbor’s is devastated by floodwaters.
The recent flooding in Colorado has been shocking and humbling as residents realize how little control any of us have over our surroundings. We’re amazed that sweet little creeks could become raging rivers, that roads we used daily have been washed away, and that entire towns need to be evacuated. How could such devastation happen so suddenly? We realize that we can only live our life in this moment, for we never know what the next one will bring.
In the midst of the storm we feel lucky for even the smallest things – hot showers, electricity, phones or the internet that connect us to loved ones with messages: “We’re so glad that you’re alright. We’ve been worried. We love you.”
And it is heartening to know that there are kind people everywhere who are ready to offer help – a meal, a hand, a wet vac, or words of encouragement. Neighbors who were strangers just days before, are sharing whatever resources they have to ease the pain and loss of others. Words are overheard, “Yes, I’ve experienced some water damage, but my next door neighbors have it so much worse. Let’s help them!”
A woman whose basement was flooded with 10 feet of mud and water sent a request for help on Facebook and the next day 25 people showed up to help – many of them strangers – to form a bucket brigade and offer whatever aid they could. Communities are created around such needs – a coming together of resources, support, and connection. We’re not alone in this after all.
Yes, life can change in a moment, but we are learning that together we are a force that can stand as one, helping each other to weather such adverse conditions. Together we are stronger.
These are the moments that count. These are the rays of hope and sunshine that are making their way through the incessant rain.
Dear Linda;
In this moment I’m filled with gratitude for your reflections, and the artistry with which you so poignantly share about a Colorado in deluge. Wisdom words that echo in every city, village, home on our terrestrial walkabout.
You are Love . . . You are Loved.
David
Hey Linda,
Thanks for your share. I actually finally cried when I read this, for some reason. Maybe it’s just too much to take in or maybe I was busy cleaning up my wet floor in the lower level, which is not that big of a deal. Yes, life changes, as we both know very well. And the sun continues to shine and bless us, in spite of our challenges. Always so much to be grateful for. I’m gathering clothes now and hope they will get to where they are needed. I also have a room, but it’s in Centennial.
Love and blessings always,
WEndy