One Year After Hurricane Harvey

 

Today, I’m getting a little bit more personal on the blog, which is something I rarely do as I like to keep things light-hearted here. I can’t believe it’s been a whole year that has passed since Hurricane Harvey touched down in the Houston area. It seems just yesterday the storm came and rocked the lives of many families who are still picking up the pieces. It hasn’t been an easy road – challenging to say the least. After all, I’m used to watching this in the news but never had I experienced anything like this. I’ll never forget the devastating feeling of having water come into my home within an hour and trying to salvage any family memories and pictures that I could, only to have them ruined.

 

It seemed like a complete nightmare – I stayed up that entire night. I spent eight hours in the attic until the sun came up to try and flag down a boat. Those eight hours were spent mostly praying and trying to get in contact with the police department and local friends with boats for rescue. I could hear helicopters above my house throughout the night. I didn’t know until the next day it was the Coast Guard rescuing people. As devastated as I was, surprisingly, I remained very calm for the most part. I knew God was not going to let me go out in such a horrific way. He is always good and I felt at peace knowing I was under His protection. Plus, the only way to think logically during a crisis is to remain calm.

 

I had a minor breakdown while I was evacuating the house with water to my chin once I realized any valuables, family photos, and belongings of my dad, who passed away when I was younger, were submerged under water. Almost 5 feet of water had entered. I had faith in God that everything would be okay and at least I was with my family. It’s crazy to think I was actually supposed to be at a friend’s house for a get together, but something told me to stay home that night. I’m a firm believer in listening to your intuition. It’s usually the Lord who is trying to tell you something.

 

Once rescued, we were taken to a shelter near Galveston and reality really hit. There was nowhere to go and it was scary to think about the unknown. By the grace of God, within a couple of hours, a nurse who was working there took my family and I to a nearby hotel. The shelter was not sanitary at all as the area just wasn’t prepared for this kind of catastrophe. Having been awake for over 36 hours, exhaustion really set in.

 

I have to thank God for social media and some of my friends from college. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have known the National Guard was flying people out of Galveston to Dallas. I called the airport and we got down there as soon as possible because the news kept reporting more rain was going to touch down and it didn’t feel safe to stay on the island. The same nurse and her husband were able to take my family and I to the airport. I can’t thank them enough. They are true angels.

 

I’m so thankful to have friends in Dallas who gave their support and spent time with me. Luckily, I’ve spent a lot of time there since being in college and visit frequently. It was a pure relief being there in such a familiar place and feeling safe. It’s crazy that during such a tragic time, I have never felt more loved – truly! God really shines even during the darkest times.

 

I honestly have some of the best and most supportive friends along with co-workers. They were so giving in a time of need. True story, within two days of being in Dallas, my boss’ sister-in-law arrived to my hotel with a suitcase full of clothes and essentials. She’s such an angel. How thoughtful and kind is that? Also, one of my sweet and thoughtful co-workers bought me a blow dryer and brush from DryBar to lift my spirits. If you know me, the DryBar is my happy place. She went out of her way to be so kind and giving. 

 

I have to give a special shoutout to my sweet friend, Lindsay. She went into my house days after the water had gone down while we were still in Dallas and tried to save anything she could. Also to my dear friends, Meghan and TJ, for opening up their home for me to stay with them once I returned. And I’m grateful for every single person who helped with the demo of our home. I’m so thankful to have such a genuine and close knit circle of friends to offer support. They really lifted my spirits and I’ll never be able to thank them enough.

 

The only way to describe it is that I feel truly blessed and filled with so much gratitude. It’s the little things that mean so much and hold value. And let’s not forget the amazing Houston community and Cajun Navy. During this time, it was amazing to see the community come together from all over and help one another out. In a time where our country is more divided than ever, people from all backgrounds, race, religion, etc. came together for one cause to help one another. So many people put their lives at risk and made sacrifices to help those in need. They are true American heroes. I’m so proud of our community and the whole greater Houston area who really has shown what it means to be #HoUStonStrong.

 

I continue to pray for my grandparents who are still not in their home and other countless families who also have a long road to recovery post Hurricane Harvey. And I pray that we never have to face a storm with this type of devastation again. It is a blessing to wake up today in a dry home with the sun shining outside. Going through such a traumatic event really makes you count your blessings and discover your inner strength. 

 

If you’ve made it to the end of this post, I applaud you. It’s rather lengthy. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to stop by and read this. Much love and gratitude! Xx

 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead