The impact of Hurricane Harvey has left many of us glued to our screens, anxiously checking for tornado alerts and flash flood warnings. The disbelief is overwhelming: Could this be Houston’s version of Katrina? The storm’s threat came upon us rapidly, leaving little time for preparation.
My husband, a civil engineer specializing in drainage systems, had always assured me we lived in a safe area—far from flood zones. We were outside the 500-year floodplain, yet our home nearly saw water damage. This illustrates the sheer power of Hurricane Harvey.
For three long days, I lay awake, worrying about tornadoes and rising waters. Having grown up in Louisiana, I thought I knew hurricanes. But Harvey was different; its relentless winds and rain persisted for days, leaving devastation in its wake.
Harvey didn’t discriminate; the affluent and the less fortunate faced the same peril. Friends living in both mobile homes and large estates suffered losses, and the rebuilding effort will be particularly daunting for those with limited resources.
As a parent, I found this disaster to be one of my hardest challenges yet. I was faced with critical decisions—should we evacuate? Where should my kids sleep? Should we even attempt to rest at all? The weight of responsibility to keep my family safe was exhausting.
Ultimately, our home was spared, which led to a wave of guilt. Why were we lucky when so many suffered? Yet, I realized that losing material possessions could serve as a lesson in what truly matters—our loved ones are more valuable than any item.
Instead of feeling guilty about our fortune, I chose to focus on how we could help those who weren’t as lucky. The #HoustonStrong movement illustrates the spirit of community, with many rallying to assist those in need, including those who had lost everything.
What Can You Do to Help?
- Assist with FEMA Applications: Many are overwhelmed by the paperwork required after the disaster. Offer to help friends or neighbors navigate the FEMA application process or insurance claims.
- Make Targeted Donations: Instead of sending random items, research organizations requesting specific supplies. This ensures your contributions are genuinely helpful.
- Provide Meals: Families cleaning up may not have the time or energy to cook. Prepare meals or buy groceries for those in need, as well as first responders.
- Babysit: Offer care for children whose parents are busy salvaging their homes. This gives kids a chance to play and destress.
- Volunteer Locally: Get your hands dirty by helping repair homes or businesses impacted by the storm.
- Visit Nursing Homes: The elderly, particularly those with health issues, have faced immense stress during evacuations. Many staff members have been working tirelessly with little rest.
- Help at Shelters: Shelters are in dire need of volunteers to assist with sorting donations, serving food, and connecting families.
- Involve Your Kids in Volunteering: It’s a powerful lesson for children to see the impact of their actions. Taking them along to volunteer can foster empathy and understanding.
- Transform Your Blessings into Action: Don’t dwell on survivor’s guilt; instead, focus on how your good fortune can be used to uplift others.
As you reflect on the devastating impact of Harvey and how fortunate you may feel, consider this: you have a unique opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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Summary
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, it’s vital to channel our feelings of gratitude into action. By assisting those in need—whether through helping with paperwork, providing meals, or volunteering—we can make a significant impact. The spirit of the community is alive, and together, we can rebuild and support one another during this challenging time.