Friday September 17, 2004. I got up that morning and went to my class at Community College. I had just started Massage Therapy school a few weeks prior and was excited for this new chapter in my life. After my A&P session let out I left for work and my life hasn’t been the same.

It had been raining heavy all day but I didn’t think anything of it. On my way to my job I got caught in an overflow of water from a creek next to the road and my car died. I called my neighbor and he said the local news was calling for our area to be flooded. People were instructed to evacuate. The street I lived on and those surrounding mine soon filled up with water. My home and almost everything in it was destroyed. It was also uninhabitable. I was now homeless. Luckily I had a good friend who let me stay with them for a while. I had to put classes and work on hold until I could get my life on track. With the help of friends and community volunteers, I spent the next week cleaning up a big mess. Going though my life’s possessions which were caked in mud and putting them in garbage bags to be thrown out was heartbreaking. And taking my furniture, appliances, clothes, and Army things out to the curb nearly broke me. So many memories and things I had worked hard for, had perished in a matter of hours. I didn’t know if I had the strength to continue with school. And trying to eat, sleep, and function like a normal person was not an easy task. My emotional state was all over the place. When a friend who came to help took me out to dinner I recall all I wanted was chicken noodle soup. But because the restaurant wasn’t serving it that day, I nearly started crying. My concept of time was also off. Hours seemed like minutes. There was so much to do and so many things to process. I was mentally and physically exhausted. Somehow I got through it. I can’t explain how in a few short words, but it was not easy. It was a nightmare I don’t wish on anyone and hope I never have to experience again. So to my friends going through a life change or devastating situation, my heart, good wishes and prayers go out to you! I know what you are surrounded by and what lies ahead. But don’t give up! Keep going. If I can do it you can! You will also be strong for the next person you meet who tells you life has beaten them down and they can’t get up. GOOD LUCK!!!!