When calamity arrives

Calamity: A disastrous event marked by great loss and lasting distress and suffering.

Just last week, I posted a picture of an ominous cloud that suggested a storm might be brewing, but it never came to fruition – at least, not that day.

I wrote about how we often have things happen that give us foreboding thoughts of pending calamity. Most of the time, the calamity we fear never happens.

But … what if it does?

Just a few days later, in Noblesville, Indiana, a flood broke the 1913 record. In a couple of days, the White River rose to 24 feet 6 inches, surpassing the 1913 flood’s 23 feet 8 inches.

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words; however, seeing the destruction left many of us without words to describe what we saw. What we saw as the White River rose grabbed hold of our emotions and shook us to our core.

We knew homes would be flooded and that life for many would never be the same.

A foot of rushing water can easily move a car off the road. Twenty-four feet of rushing water can destroy not only property but also dreams that have taken a lifetime to build. We see it in news clips, but when you actually live it, it looks and feels different.

I remember, I think it was 1999, when my son lived near the White River, and more than 20 feet of floodwater crept toward his home. We quickly loaded our vehicles with as many of his belongings as we could before the water reached his back door. Water rises quickly, as does fear. The house and everything left inside was a total loss. It doesn’t matter whether you rent or own a house … it is your home.

On Saturday morning, the river crested. I, along with many of our townspeople, walked to the western edge of downtown Noblesville. I will always remember the sound of the rushing river as I stood on the Logan Street bridge.

I drove by Riverside Cemetery and couldn’t see a single headstone.

I made my way to Potter’s Bridge, where I’ve prayed and pondered my entire life. My heart hurt as I feared the river would take her. An historic covered bridge, part of our legacy, cannot be replaced. She stood proud even as the river pounded her side.

Speaking of standing proudly, I’m so proud of the people of my town. They’ve been showing up and signing up as volunteers. They bring cleaning supplies, food, clothing, totes, and pet food. Anything on the list, people show up with it.

When bad things happen, good people show up.

You see, kindness is rushing in. People are not afraid to get dirty or even wet.

It will take time to figure out what can be repaired. Sadly, many have lost everything. We have strong leaders in place to help navigate this long, difficult journey. I believe the volunteers with SERVE Village Noblesville are saints, if not angels. Drive by the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, and you will see people coming and going with supplies and signing up to volunteer.

Many stories will be told about the Flood of 2026. Pictures will tell of the calamity, but they will also tell of the kindness that flowed throughout the Riverwood neighborhood, the Southwest Quadrant, and all along the White River.

There will be lasting loss and distress, but the river will not get the last word; kindness will.

* * *

On Sunday morning, my photographer friend, Matt Doudt, posted this picture of the overflowing White River. But what you need to notice is the sun rising in the distance.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5.

Even in hard times, we can find joy if we take the time to look.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com.