For the past week and a half, Tennessee has been dealing with the impact of and recovery from record flooding. I watched the flooding unfold across the Nashville region and the entire state on television last weekend, glued to the coverage like I was on 9/11.
But as the rains began to stop and the Cumberland River crested and then began to slowly recede, I watched something else unfold...the true Volunteer spirit of Tennessee kicked in.
While the state and federal government were rapid in their response to the helping our great state, I was even more encouraged by the signs that a lot of people were stepping up to help out. I was encouraged that the hand out wasn't one looking for a something but a hand out to help your neighbor, a stranger, your fellow citizen. There were some reports of a bit of looting, but it wasn't as widespread as in other cities and we have had a few boneheads who seemed to think early on that water rationing meant not taking a shower or flushing and that detailing your car was totally cool.
Section 303
put up a post We Are Nashville that has become a rallying cry for the community and I love the response. I even have to give props to Vanderbilt athletics (something I NEVER do...) for the way they're responding. Tomorrow nights baseball game is free and it's a big game with the Commodores taking on nationally ranked Louisville. Donations will be taken for the flood victims with all proceeds given to help those impacted by this tragedy.
I've been moved by what I've seen and heard. I've tried to help where and when I can and I encourage you to consider helping out. It doesn't have to be a huge thing--just a simple thing can and will help. We haven't got the national media attention that other natural disasters have, but a lot of that I chalk up to the way our city and state has reacted to this...it's a disaster yes, but we're not sitting around waiting for someone else to help us. We're taking up this challenge and together working to rebuild.
I've said it a lot during sports seasons, but I think it applies here as well..
It's great..to be... a Tennessee Vol!
posted by Michael Hickerson at 5/10/2010 07:53:00 PM |
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