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Published Sunday, October 04, 2009

Remembering floods of past and present

Our hearts and prayers went out to families losing loved ones and others suffering loss of homes and extensive property damage in the disastrous flooding of north and west Georgia and the Metro Atlanta area.

As a small boy, I learned from my elders to have the greatest respect for rising water when the Chattahoochee River overflowed its banks in West Point, Ga., and covered parts of the valley. My dad worked for a large department, furniture, appliance and clothing store in West Point. Since flooding was a perennial threat, stores in downtown were constructed several feet above the road to guard against rising water coming into the stores and damaging everything inside. And yet, the flood sometimes had its way.

One night, I remember asking, "When is Daddy coming home from work?" and mother replying, "He may not get home until tomorrow morning. The men will be working all night, moving everything to the ceiling level to save everything in the store they can."

One time, the waters rose so swiftly to the top of the store, he and another man went out on the roof to await rescue by boat. I don't ever remember hearing my elders complain of the floods. It was accepted as something they had to do, a challenge they had to face as a part of life.

They had an indomitable spirit, and faith that somehow it would come out all right. It was a simpler time. Life consisted of church, faith, family, work and friends -- and not one was to be neglected.

In my 10th year, we moved to Macon, Ga., but I never forgot the important life lesson learned. Even in disastrous times, you can move life to the highest possible level and abide in faith.