On April 10 in the 11 p.m. hour, one of nature's worst, a tornado, came down U.S. Highway 278 (I live a block off 278), and visited my neighborhood for a minute or two. I was on the computer when I heard the tornado coming.
My house fared well from the tornado; some siding trim came off, but no roof damage that I could see, and no leaks I that I have noticed. I removed all trees in my yard years ago, in fear that if they fell they would hit my house.
All my neighbors from all sides had damage to their homes, one or two beyond repair. As you can imagine, it looked like a war zone.
On the plus side, I witnessed humanity at its finest. People young and old, male and female and of every color came to help where needed, asking "How are you doing?" and "Do you need anything?" Church groups from many denominations were here rolling up their sleeves and helping strangers. Businesses of all descriptions helped -- with the American Red Cross, volunteer fireman and the local county sheriff's department.
I also was amazed at how well the power company and its contractors worked long hours to remove and replace broken power poles and run new power lines. They worked very efficiently, like clockwork. And those who worked in the tree business cut down broken trees and removed trees off of houses. It was all inspiring to me.
It seems the world is growing darker and darker with evil all around, but what I have witnessed -- starting from that dark stormy Friday night to today -- has renewed my faith in mankind. I have seen, met and now know that there are many good and wonderful people all around us, too.
God bless our community and God bless America.
Tom Smothers
Beech Island, S.C.
Comments
The people most willing to help are also the least willing to impose. A simple call for help to the area churches in general would have garnered an overload of volunteers looking for guidance. This is not a racial issue, this is community. EVERYONE pitches in.
One thing Mr. Smothers doesn't mention, is that HE is one of those good neighbors and home-town heroes who was out on foot that dark stormy night checking on the welfare of his neighbors. Words cannot express the appreciation we felt that night as we heard a knock on our door in our badly damaged home only two doors down from Mr. Smothers. The debris and power lines down that he had to negotiate were unbelievable. How he made it safely to our house is beyond me, but he did and seeing another human (he got there before the firefighters were even able to) was truly a blessing, he also was able to tell us about the well being of our elderly neighbor who we were concerned about. HUGE thanks go out to Mr. Smothers, our home was a total loss, but because of neighbors like him, we will rebuild! Thanks again, Mr. Smothers.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
