White River flooding sparks many feelings

Well, Mother Nature got bitchy on us on Saturday the 15th as the incessant rain that has been inundating the state of Indiana resulted in a hundred-year swelling of the White River, which passes a quarter mile or so from our house.

My wife Donna and I have lived together in our home for the past 30 years; she has lived there more than 60. Only once, on New Year’s Day in 1991, had the river swelled to make a wet visit into the house on Ralston Avenue in Ravenswood. Five inches of depth ruined furnishings, walls, rugs, flooring, and emotions.

It’s very strange to have a river intrude into your home. It doesn’t care a dot about any puny preparations you might have made – putting furniture up a foot or so, taking bottom drawers out of their positions so that the water won’t soak clothing, or foods, or cherished keepsakes. It just bursts in as it pleases – leaving behind its wetness, stink, and heartbreak.

Although we couldn’t see the actual damage to our property until Monday, we were sent images that showed the awful effects of the flood on our neighbor Ron’s home. It was so upsetting, my wife and I both broke into tears, knowing our place was no better.

And when we finally saw the aftereffects at our address, we cried again. Nothing prepares you for a shock like that. The water line marks on the walls showed the depth had been well over two feet, nearly three in places where a surge must have happened. Mud was everywhere. Our huge refrigerator lay on its face, across the room from where it had stood. Our mattresses had been in dirty river water, as had our dresser drawers, kitchen shelves, couches, chairs, and televisions. It was very nearly a complete loss.

But next – there was nothing to do but start the arduous task of reforming your lost comforts.

First, where to stay? Many displaced people are staying with family. We had offers, but our close family lives on the west side of Indy. We needed to stay closer, and were very lucky as Donna’s son Tony rushed his RV to our driveway and set us up with A/C, Wi-Fi, bed, TV, and a small kitchen.

We began the work of sorting through what was ruined and what might be saved – taking the spoilage to the curb. After that task, we hired workers to come in and take out furniture and remove wet portions of wall board. (Our RV son is also a contractor, so more luck there.)

As of writing this column, we are now on Day 5 of our recovery, and some lasting impressions have emerged.

First and foremost – when stuff like this happens, people are great, giving and generous. The cost of all this is a nightmare. There are government programs to take advantage of, but ready cash has come to us from family, friends and even strangers. It isn’t just sympathy with words that we are getting – all manner of help is available at a local church, where you can walk in and take anything they have – fans, food, cleaning supplies, personal care items, buckets, bags, paper products. As items go out, new stuff is wheeled in – an overwhelming supply of need-fillers.

Secondly: This is a terrible event in our lives. I have NEVER had a tragedy of this nature happen to me. It truly is overwhelming and I have felt every bit of being angry, lost, confused, hapless, and cursed.

Third: The truest feeling I have – the one that occurs again and again, and brings to me an overwhelming sense that being an American, being a Hoosier, is a special gift – is the kindness, the heartfelt generosity, and the seemingly endless caring we have been offered and have gratefully accepted. Strangers have given money, gift cards, and help. Family have gifted us collections of funds, transferred money into our account, and promised help with purchases. Frankly, the love we feel is more overwhelming than the tragedy in many ways.

The people who have had this happen to them really are hurting. If you have any feeling of compassion for a flood stricken loved one, seek them out and offer your help. It will mean so much to them.

If you have no such connection, you might try to find a way to make a difference through churches and charities. This really is a widespread, crushingly painful event for many.