This evenig after work I took a drive around some of the familiar areas surrounding my hometown where I grew up. I wanted to see the extent of some of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Lee this week. Many of the roads are still closed due to high waters. In some of the areas, it was really hard to imagine that the flood waters had been so deep. I passed many homes that had obviously sustained significant water damage. In their front yards were piles of personal belongings that had been ruined by flooded basements and living quarters. Hoses were still actively pumping out large amounts of water. and groups of people, family and friends were busy cleaning up the properties. The small creeks were still raging rivers, and benches and playground equipment were covered with brown grass and tree branches which were obviously carried along by the high water. Debris was scattered everywhere. Fence lines that stood at least 4 feet were covered with grass, weeds, and other debris, so obviously the water level was at least that high in all those areas. My Brother had just fiinshed remodeling his basement at Christmas time, and he had some water damage as well. Fortunately it was as significant, but still a personal loss. He had to rip up all the new carpet that he had put down. The hour drive brought on a heavy, and deep feeling of sadness as I observed all the devastation. As I made my way back home, I happened to pass this scene, and it immediately spoke peace to me. I pulled over and looked out across the meadow land. A sense of peace came over me, and I had the urge to pray for those who sustained all this personal loss. As I sat there I asked God to comfort those who had been affected, and for those families who also lost loved ones in this storm. My prayers are not only for those in our own immediate area, but to all those along the storm's path. I also said a prayer for all those being affected by the terrible drought in Texas and other areas, and those being affected by the wildfires. It has been a rough couple of weeks. The recent earthquake, hurricane Irene, and now this tropical storm Lee serves to remind us all that no one is immune to the devastation of such weather. Mother Nature has no favorites.
Beautiful photo Rick. So sad to hear of all the devastation of your area and also the fires in Texas. My prayers join yours for the many lives affected.
Rick this is so well written and your words mean so much.... You picked a beautiful spot to reflect and so glad you took a shot of this little peaceful area and shared it with us.....
I and many others also pray for those affected by all of these devastating occurances... and as you say no one is immune to all of these horrificc disasters.
Your shot was stunning!!
You are right Rick. I think we are all feeling vulnerable right now. It is difficult to reconcile the capricious effects of Nature with this serene view, and yet they are both part of life.
all of these natural disasters are making me sick. I hate how helpless they can make us feel. Along with you, all those affected by them are in my thoughts as well. Great shot, love the speck of red in the background. Looks so peaceful. my kind of place to wander and take pictures of :)
It's very sad and distressing to me watching the news and seeing all the flooding......magnified if you are actually there. Glad you stopped to pray for everyone........and glad you found this peaceful scene!
It's beautiful, Rick. Sometimes all we can do is pray and lend a helping hand. I'm glad you found this moment of peace and solace amidst the devastation. Hugs and peace ...
Oh, and thank you for the prayers for those affected down here by the fires. It's unbelievable. The last I heard 1,400 homes destroyed. It's overwhelming. I am thankful we are safe so far, but my heart aches for those losing everything in the blink of an eye.
We are thinking of you all at this worrying time & hope mother nature has had enough !! I love your words & you are so right as always ! I love the little red roof on the horizon !
When you see a beautiful picture like this so serene its hard to imagine what you see when visiting the devastated areas. feel so sorry for all those people.
Hearing this and having seen your previous collage of the waters and damage, is so reminecent of the Huge floods and damage done a few months ago in Queensland (Australia) where we also Prayed that it would all go away . No matter where this sort of thing happens we cannot comprehend the feelings of loss and the devastation that goes with the damage. Lives are slowly trying to be like before but it will never be the same and many of our people were either uninsured or denies because it was "An Act of God" , as if they had not suffered enough. I don't know about over there but the Insurance Companies are going to be in deep doodoo over the way they have been handling this whole disaster. Sorry to hear about your Brother's misfortune too. Warm woishes for him and his family.
I had to fave this one too, because it spoke to me equally and it gave me a feeling of peace too. The spot of red is awesome (barn, tin roof?), but the tree in the foreground seemed like Mother Nature herself, waving her knobby arm over that field. Simple perfection.
So sorry to hear about your brother's damaged basement, but if it's any consolation, carpet and water damage can be repaired in time. Thankfully no one was hurt. I am saddened by all the devastation lately. It's hard to believe that fires cannot be contained, earthquakes can still disrupt lives unexpectedly and hurricanes can reach as far north as Vermont. But like you, I've found some peace in the middle of these storms. And I also pray that those who are suffering would find that suffering coming quickly to an end. These are incredible times. We think our technology can fix or avoid anything. But one windstorm or shift in the earth causes us to rethink our superiority. I join with your prayers for those affected by these natural disasters, both here in the states and around the world.
This shot somehow feels like it would not be quite as complete without the second tree in the shot. It's got some quality about it that hits me..I like it a lot.
I and many others also pray for those affected by all of these devastating occurances... and as you say no one is immune to all of these horrificc disasters.
Your shot was stunning!!
love the framing here