Hurricane Harvey

I'm going to come right out and say it this is difficult to write. Not because of a level of sadness or morbidity, but because it is difficult to put into words the summation of what I saw in Houston and along the gulf coast amid the destruction of Hurricane Harvey. There were so many admirable traits displayed by people of this country that I don't know how what I have to say could ever do them justice.I will try as best I can.I will also outright say that there were some people that did not...act appropriately during this tragedy. Relative to the good that was being done, those people were few in number.When I arrived in Houston, I, like thousands of others had to make my way through several backroads and detours to link up with an organization doing search and rescue, what I was there to do. While many were fleeing the city, many also came to its aid. From day one I was impressed. Locals, volunteers from in state, volunteers from out of state, even out of the country, all worked together with one common goal, one common mantra.

"Get one more out."

People risked their lives to get one more out. It was amazing to see.

To take a step back and see the multitudes of people utilizing their talents, their material gifts to help others without thought or care about who gets the credit. It still to this day is overwhelming to think about. The sheer size and scope of what all was accomplished by regular men and women who saw a need and met a need is to this day incredible. Locals who's homes were intact provided food and lodging for complete strangers. Food, fuel and other supplies were provided by diesel truck and Prius alike. Everyone working together.As the week wained and the waters receded a new mission was needed. The removal of drywall, insulation, and flooring so that mold did not fester and grow. Again many responded and provided the tools and supplies necessary to accomplish the mission. The homeowners affected were already looking at a tragedy, paying for the gutting of their homes...that would just add insult to injury. Once again as Americans, as humanity responded to the call and did everything we could to reduce the financial burden. These homeowners, despite losing everything, talked, joked and broke bread with us.Then hurricanes threatened Florida and Puerto Rico...and what did those affected by Harvey do? They sent supplies and manpower to Florida.Looking back one year later, I can say that when the mother nature gave us her worst, humanity responded with our best.