I have always enjoyed
rainy days. I love the muted colors of an overcast day (especially in autumn),
the cool lift of the air that accompanies a storm, and the quieter feel of
rainy mornings and afternoons. There is actually a word for someone who likes
rainy days; according to urbandictionary.com, a pluviophile is a lover of
rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days. I was
happy to find this definition a few years ago!
But the rain this
morning is a double-edged sword. After last weekend’s historic flooding in
South Carolina, today's rain is not a welcome sight. Although the rain has effectively
ended our recent drought, it has caused a glut of new issues. Many bridges are
still out, much of the state is under flood watches through tonight, and already-swollen
rivers continue to rise and rise. Although my area thankfully came through last weekend relatively unscathed, I am so sad for our neighbors to the south in
Columbia, Charleston, and all of the other areas affected by this wet
weather.
I have heard such
tragic stories this week—and I am sure you have, too, if you’ve watched the news
at all. But in the midst of all the BAD, there has been a lot of GOOD. This
week my boys’ middle school collected cases of water to send via the
Red Cross to the affected areas, and one of my sons' teachers left to serve as a National Guardsman in the affected areas (what a wonderful example for our young men and women!). Donation centers have overflowed with
offerings for flood victims. And the welcome that USC is receiving in Baton Rouge for the Gamecocks vs. LSU Tigers game today is touching and profound. Who
would’ve thought?
Since I haven’t posted
in awhile, I decided that this rainy Saturday morning would be a great time to
jump back in and post a link for anyone interested in helping flood victims in
SC. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website has information
about how to donate, as well as a link to a list of most-needed items (click
here for more information).
I will have some
exciting writing-related news to share very soon! Enjoy your weekend, stay dry,
and Happy Writing!
Becky,
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to share information on how to donate to help SC neighbors and others in need! Thank you.
Thanks, Linda.
DeleteGlad you are okay in all of this! And excited to hear your news!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leandra. I am excited to share soon!
DeleteLove your rainy day viewpoint and thanks for posting how to help in SC. What a tragedy for so many people.
ReplyDeleteI know--so very sad. Thank you for stopping by, Sandra.
DeleteGood to know you guys are all right, Becky. The flood in SC has been featured in our local news as well and I hope the victims receive as much aid as possible and get to rebuild their homes soon.
ReplyDeleteMy sister in Brazil and my friend in France also saw it on their news too, Claudine. I guess it was newsworthy worldwide!
DeleteDear Becky,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. I am praying for all those affected by the rain and their families and friends.
Thank you, sweet friend!
DeleteBecky, despite horrible circumstances your "boys" used this to create something positive. I love positive people. Blessing, Tracy
ReplyDeleteIt was really encouraging to watch the water stack up each day, Tracy!
DeleteFairness and equal distribution have nothing to do with nature, as here in California we need some of yours. What we make of it is key, as your post so beautifully tells.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could send some water your way, Mirka. Hopefully the CA drought will be alleviated soon, but in a much gentler fashion.
DeleteBecky, I'm glad you fared well. So many haven't. Thanks for posting resources. A lot of happening here locally ... disasters really do bring out the best in a community sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that YOU survived everything ok, Vijaya. Yours was one of the families on my prayer list! = )
DeleteGlad you are safe. Such a hard time for so many. Speedy recovery out there.
ReplyDelete