A City Under Water

The rain won't stop.  It's now a little past midnight on Sunday or early Monday morning rather.  By now, I am certain that many or most of you have heard that Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas Gulf Coast.  It made landfall between Port Aransas and Port O'Connor.  Approximately 200-210 miles from Houston.  While Rockport, Texas was hit hard by the landfall, the remnants of the tropical storm was saved for us. 

As of now, my family and I are safe.  We are all scattered throughout the city in our own homes, but everyone is safe.  The rain won't stop.  The incessant warnings coming from the tv screen and the cell phones sound like curdling screams.  We have been under tornado watches, tornado warnings, flood watches and flood warnings since last night.  Earlier on Sunday, the water kept inching closer and closer to my front door.  In a panic, I filled trash bags with towels, squishing them together until the bag resembled a cheap bean bag.  And I plopped them along the entry way and my front and back door, hoping that they will keep the water out.  I don't know if it will work yet because thank God the water started receding when the rain let up.  I sighed relief but it was short-lived.  The rain started again in the late afternoon and has not stopped.  I keep looking outside the window hoping that I don't see the glistening of the water as it falls into the rain made lake that has taken over our street.  From my window I can see the neighbors house across the street.  Their yellow fluorescent porch light shows me that the water is up to the tires of their cars. 

My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach.

Please God, keep our homes free from water.  I check on my family and friends throughout the day.  We all wish each other well and hope for the best.  And I watch the 24 hour news coverage.  The images that I have seen are heart-breaking, gut-wrenching and tug at your heart until you have your own river of tears flowing down your face.  So many people stranded.  Chased out of their homes by the torrential rains.  Families leaving their homes with just the clothes they were wearing.  Imagine seeing people huddled atop the roofs of their homes, waiting for air and/or water rescue.  Some of those people are still waiting.  Alot of those people have children of all ages with them.  And I can't help but think, "there but for the grace of God, go I" 

Indeed.

The silver-linings in this chaos of a storm (there are several) are heart-warming.  The news reporter that put his mic down while doing a live shot, so that he could help lift an elderly gentleman into a boat because he was not able to lift his legs over for himself.  The humanity of total strangers, just showing up with their own boats, trucks, tools, food and clothes donations ready to help out.  The outpouring of love and support and solidarity not only from our surrounding states but from across the country.  This.  This is what we are about.  During catastrophic times such as these, we see the best in people.  It made my heart smile. 

We've seen quite a few hurricanes and tropical storms before..  This is not our first rodeo, after all.  However, this is the first time that our city was literally taken hostage by the aftermath of such a horrific storm.  We have been crippled, brought to our knees.

The meteorologists are forecasting more rain for at least two more days.  TWO.MORE.DAYS.  Lord help us because aside from the rain and flooding jazz.  I've been cooped up with my mom and my aunt since Friday.  What's wrong with that?  Think The Golden Girls but on caffeine.  #sendxanax

Well it seems the rain has stopped for a bit.  I'm about to check on the flooding situation and then pass out on my bed.  Maybe.  I only slept two hours last night.

Do me a favor, if you pray, pray for us..  Or meditate.  Or send us your positive thoughts.  Whatever it is that you do, do it, please.