Thursday, May 6, 2010

Tennessee Floods

By Skeeter; This will be the most difficult posting I have ever written as my heart aches today...As many of you may know, I was in Tennessee last week visiting family and friends. I had to cut my visit short due to a death in Atlanta. That is another sad story in itself. Quick review of that, a wonderful 23 year old young man which The Saint and I adored, lost his life to a couple of thugs. Our dear friends Mike and Suzanne's daughter, Samantha (Sam) was engaged to be married to Drew. They were in the process of getting their first house, etc when God took him from us. We consider them our German family and have for about 19 years. Sam introduces us to her friends as her Aunt and Uncle, we are that close. Our hearts ached for her so we needed to be there. So off I go in the middle of the rain storms on Sunday to be with them. The Saint was on his way from Augusta to meet me in Atlanta. I was traveling alone on this TN visit as he stayed home with our fur girls.

I left Clarksville, TN on Sunday morning after looking at the Internet and planning my route via the flooded interstates posted. I got to Briley Parkway (my exit) just as they were closing it down in all directions. On the phone to Mom and the Saint to decide what to do next. Mom begged me to turn around and come back to Clarksville but I declined. I continued on the interstate headed south towards Chattanooga until I could go no further. I was one exit from the TN Titans stadium when I spotted the traffic back-up then I made the quick decision to get off the interstate and go into downtown. All the time while the rain continues. I do not like driving in the rain but was determined I would not miss Andrews funeral on Monday. You know the saying, "Come Hell or High Waters" Well, that was me. I should go to work for the post office.... I noticed a lot of people in a gas station with maps out and on cell phones. Something told me to pull into this gas station so I did. I found not one but two more travelers trying to get to Atlanta! We all got together, pulled out maps, cell phones, etc. Our ring leader was in touch with either someone living in Nashville or someone sitting at the computer planning our route. We all got into our cars and followed each other until the flood waters stopped us a second time. All three of our cars ended up in a housing project (aka, the Ghettos) where I was a bit concerned but still had a sense of calm about me. We pulled into a driveway while our fearless leader once again pulled out the map and got on the phone. We made it back onto the interstate now headed towards Knoxville, TN which is East. We were able to get to the old highway towards the south side of Murfreesboro where we ran out of the rain and it was smooth sailing. 30 extra miles to drive but worth the effort as we made it around the flooded interstate. I was so relieved to say the least. I said many prayers and know my parents were also saying them for me. I strongly believe those prayers were answered.
It was the day of the funeral when I found out the news my parents home was under water! They watched as the creek behind their house rose. Family, friends and neighbors jumped to action. Dunbar Cave road which is the only way to my parents home was under water at both ends. According to my mother, friends were called by my brother and his wife and showed up with Jon-boats. Family and friends got in those boats to get to the house before it was flooded. Neighbors came from nowhere and everyone was able to get everything out of the house before it flooded!

Their cats were staying with neighbors which are both Veterinarians so they were safe. Furniture is in a basement of a neighbor and my parents were put up in another neighbors 2 bedroom, basement apartment. The cats were safely tucked into the apartment once my mother saw the homeowner had a cat of her own and bravely asked if her cats could join them in the apartment. The kitties were welcomed into the home with mom and dad. The house will need a total renovation and with me being the one always looking for the bright side of bad situations, I told my mother that she can now get those wooden floors she wants! She had to giggle with me. Mom and dads spirits were busted on Monday morning but repaired a bit by kindness shown to them by many people to include total strangers. Now people, this is what life is all about!

My family is safe and that is the main thing but they will have a lot of hurdles to jump in the coming months. Oh and another kicker, when they bought the house, Flood insurance was not available. I hope FEMA will jump in to assist. Please pray for my family as they will need the strength to carry on with this mess....

On one hand, I was happy to have made it through Nashville, but on the other hand, had I not, then I could have been there for my mother and father. Through everything, I had held together fairly well until I found these pictures on the Internet of the house. That blue metal roof sure does mark the spot. It finally all hit me and I broke down with sadness. I could not control myself as I truly wish I could be with my family right now.


I am also going to be selfish and ask for prayers for the Saint to find employment closer to Tennessee and Virginia where our family's live. Luck and finger crossing just don't seem to be working for us.

I know there are more people in worse shape then my family. Time, Nails and Hammers, will heal all. Please keep my family and other Tennesseans affected by this mess in your prayers.....

27 comments:

  1. My heart goes out to you for all that you have had to endure. You and your family are in my prayers. Being from south Louisiana, I know what flooding can do.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  2. OMGoodness.....we have been hearing about these floods and what they are doing. Prayers for everyone involved. Not that anything will help bringing Andrew back but, did the police get who the thugs? Such a senseless thing for someone so young and full of promise.

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  3. Dear Skeeter ~ My heart goes out to you, your parents and the dear friends of yours who have lost their loved ones.

    May God's love, peace and strength surround all of you at this time and in the coming months.

    Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

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  4. You sound like a strong, capable woman with a big heart. You will endure. I'm glad you mom could giggle about the wood floors. All the best to your family and friends as you work this out.

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  5. Oh Skeeter, this is so sad. Please know you, your family, and everyone who is being affected by this flood is in my prayers.
    Hugs, Linda

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  6. Oh dear Skeeter, having been flooded, I know what your parents are facing. My heart goes out to you and them.
    This is a major disaster. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  7. OMG, skeeter. I'm so sorry for your loss, yet glad you were able to get home. What a terrifying journey and chain of events for your family. I hope they get some aid from government.

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  8. Skeeter, my heart goes out to you and your family. I have watched all of the flood footage on the news with sadness. I am thankful that your parents are safe and seem to be well taken care of. I am so saddened by the death of that young man. My cousin was hospitalized last week after being hit in the head with a pipe by a thug. We were fearful for his life, however he is very lucky to be alive. Isn't it a shame that there is such meaness in the world. I am thankful, however, that no matter what hardships we go through in life, God will always see us through it. I will continue to pray for your family and friends. God Bless. Carla

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  9. Skeeter,

    I really feel awful for your parents and their home. So many people here have lost so much. They'll get back on their feet though!

    I very sorry about your friend. I hope the thugs get the book thrown at them.

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  10. Skeeter, what a terrible week. I feel so bad for your parents. Hope they can get the house repaired and get back home quickly.

    The death of your friend is such a tragedy. What a terrible loss of a young life.
    Marnie

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  11. I live in Clarksville. I am so glad your family is okay! And glad you found a navigator to GA!

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  12. Skeeter, I am so sorry for all that you have had to go through this past week. The sensesless death of your young friend is such a tragedy, but add to that all that your parents endured, it's no wonder that your heart aches. I'm so glad that you made it home safely and that your parents are safe. My heart goes out to all who have suffered loss during this disaster

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  13. Such a terrible week for you Skeeter. My heart goes out to you and your family. It is such a mess here. On a bright side? Montgomery County was declared a disaster area and all should be able to get some money to help recover-to even better I hope-with wood floors and all:) A terrible tragedy to lose a soul so young with so much promise. I'm glad you made it back safely and like you said, the kindness of others is a bright spot. Hang in there. If you need anything let us know.

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  14. Skeeter, that would try anyone's nerves.
    I'm glad you made it home ok. I'm glad also that your mom & dad are safe & taken care of. Material things can be replaced but life can't.
    I hope the law catches the thug/thugs that cause the demise of your dear friend. What a senseless loss of a young life.
    You, your mom & dad & all the people that have lost in this mess have prayers. The Lord will see you through.

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  15. Thank you all for your prayers and kind wishes. The prayers are being answered! I talked with my mom a few minutes ago and she said a family friend, which is a contractor and the best in town, is taking the job of renovating the house! Pictures have been snapped, Insurance, Assistance, FEMA and all the right agencies have been notified so they can get to the house now before the water causes further damage. They are taking out the carpets as I type. Their neighbors are being wonderful to them and they can now get out of the development as the water is no longer over the road in one direction.

    The thugs responsible for Drew’s murder are both in jail. One turned himself in the day after and the other turned himself in while on the run in Florida. One if not both were out on bond when this took place. Gotta love our judicial system, Grrrrr. Justice will be served this time though….

    I have yet to get into my gardens and see the progress with me being away a week. I have mail to tend, phone calls to make, errands to run and many more things to tend before I can even think of anything else.

    Again, thanks for the prayers, they ARE working!

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  16. Oh Skeeter I am so sorry to hear of the death of the young man who was such a dear family friend, and that your parents' home was flooded... my heart would be sore too. Surely the area will be considered a disaster and your parents will get assistance.

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  17. So sad for you and the family. It can be so devasting to lose so much. It will be hard but it'll be OK. I've been where you are. Prayers are being said for you and the family.

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  18. Hi Skeeter, such a crazy week it has been. But, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of hugs from Sidekick, Girl Model, Lil Bundle, Boy 1 and Boy 2 coming at you girl!!! I am happy to hear your parents have a good contractor and already are starting the recovery mode. Lots of love:0) Ciao!

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  19. Skeeter,

    I'm sorry to hear of all the tragedies and misfortune. Thankfully, you and your family are safe.

    Such a sad loss of a young life.

    Thoughts and prayers for all.

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  20. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

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  21. Skeeter so sorry to hear about what has been going on with your family and friends recently. I can't imagine the feeling you had when you saw your parents home. I'll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way!

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  22. I am so sorry about your parents home, with prayer I am sure all of you will get through this. So many to pray for at this time.

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  23. Thank you all so very much for your prayers and good vibes for my family. We will heal in time but going to be a long haul....

    I will taking some time off from the blog as I must be with my family......

    Keep those good vibes and prayers coming as they do seem to be working. We are strong and will get through this.....

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  24. I have nothing to say or offer that others have not already done, but my thoughts are with you.

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  25. I'm saddened by the loss of your friend and so sorry for your parents' losses/damages, as well. Thankfully they are on the way to restoration and I hope it will continue to work out positively for them. My grandparents lost their entire home when it was swept down the Susquehanna River in PA during hurricane Agnes in 1972. It was devastating but they were able to rebuild and although they lost everything, they went on to have full lives for many years after that. My thoughts are with you, too;-)

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  26. Skeeter, you and your family are in my prayers. What a terrible tragedy!

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