By VERNA BROCK
The vagaries of March winter weather are present everywhere this year. The clash of cold fronts and warm fronts from the West Coast to the East Coast is making life difficult and dangerous for millions. High winds and tornadoes, flooding rains and pounding hail, combined with ricocheting temperatures, are leaving all manner of destruction and damage in their wake.
The astonishing thing is how we puny humans rally and respond, clearing debris and comforting our neighbors in the worst of circumstances.
Locally, for the most part, we managed to escape the wrathful weather last weekend. I noticed many of the tornado-damaged trees in Woodville were dealt a final blow by the high winds. Eventually the entire landscape sculpted by last year’s cyclones will be completely different. Nearly a year later, the skyline of Woodville seems painfully bare and gnarled. But life and its constant transformations require us to adapt and revise.
This is true of our personal lives as well. The journey is often disrupted by unforeseen events, things for which we are utterly unprepared. Yet soldiering on, everyday people all around us carry heavy loads and continue to function. You might say, “ What other choice is there?” But life requires each of us to not just be stoic, but absolutely heroic. All around us, our neighbors are quietly, steadfastly carrying their burdens, and still reaching out to support others in their time of need. I find this absolutely inspiring and worth celebrating.
Whenever I see some ordinary guy, parked by the side of the road, chainsaw roaring as he clears a random downed tree, I want to cheer. It seems compassion and initiative go hand in hand. When put in action, literal mountains can be moved. Don’t let anyone tell you America is hopeless, broken, or mean. Our greatest super power is our idealism, our belief in the basic goodness of our fellow Americans, which can easily be seen if you look for it. So get busy finding the positive all around us!
An example of positivity was on display this past weekend at the Woodville Founder’s Day Festival, a fundraiser for the Volunteer Fire Department. The weather held, despite being very breezy. After many months of planning and hard work, they raised over $2,000 for personal protective gear (NOT CHEAP) for several new members, while providing a great day for families and neighbors.
Many thanks to the businesses, the County, the presenters and the many people who contributed to making this event a success,
What is more illustrative of compassion and initiative than volunteer fire departments? At the close of a very long day, Fire Chief Meuth messaged his Dragonfighters to be prepared for the threatening weather. There would undoubtedly be many calls for emergency response as conditions deteriorated in the coming storm.
Our fellow citizens stood ready once again to rescue us from car wrecks, housefires, and downed trees. Let me be among those offering heartfelt gratitude to ALL the genuine heroes among us. HUZZAH!
Happy March birthday wishes to Pastor Steve Montgomery, Jennifer Brown, Harrison Rodgers and Brennan Simmons. Hope all your dreams come true.
I’m happy to report Ouida Vick is feeling better, as is Thelma Watts; your prayers for their continued recovery are appreciated.
Also in need of prayer are Richard Blank, John Foster, Doris Melton, August Chitwood, Pastor Tommy Stone, Steven Hearn, as well as so many of our fellow citizens affected by fires, mudslides, and disasters wrought by storms.
