Sights and Sounds of the Storm

Sights and Sounds of the Storm

Day One

You awake to sounds of what seems like a war zone. You immediately feel some nervousness and begin to realize the loud booming noise is not a bomb, but thunder. Thunder like you have never heard before. Then the sound of the down pour comes. Rain some people listen to on sound machines to relax is now anything but. You think the rain will soon stop, but hour after hour it beats on the windows and sides of your home. Unable to get out, you rely on the news, and begin to see the effects of all you have heard.

Day Two

Well aware that your community is in a state of emergency, you watch the images of flooding taking place all round. You now hear the sounds of alarms on your phones and television warning you of imminent danger. Flash floods and evacuations are now the key words you tune your ear to hear. As nearby creeks and rivers overflow, the sounds of prayers fill your rooms. You ask for protection; you ask to survive; you hope against hope to remain dry.

Day Three          

You now hear the helicopters overhead and as you venture out into the unknown, you see people being taken out of boats on roads you just drove on days earlier. Roads that are now more liken to flowing rivers than streets. Sirens are loud and all around, and the community pitches in to help their neighbors. Strangers are helping strangers. Friends come into your homes as family. You hear stories of loss and survival. People offer each other hope with kind words and actions. Grateful to be able to help, you get involved at shelters and do all you can. There you find appreciation for all you have when there has been such great loss.

Day Four

Somewhat stir crazy, you hear your children home another day due to school closures, and you take a deep breath to prepare for a day of recovery. Outside you hear the sound of silence, and it is comforting. You are glad to know the rushing water is receding, and though the days ahead will be tough, the road to restoration is beginning. Everyday families are being reunited, and people are clearing out the debris of disaster and replacing it with hope and resilience. You are encouraged by the sounds of laughter and sights of community banding together to start fresh. Water may rise and then recede, but the sound of hope rises never to be beaten down. Tears of sorrow turn to tears of joy. Feelings of despair or overcome with feelings of courage. The sound of victory is heard by all.

What sights and sounds from the storm are on repeat in your mind? How are you working through this tragic event?