September 17, 2004. The day Hurricane Ivan came to town.

I got up that morning and went to my classes at CCCAC. I had just started Massage Therapy school a few weeks prior and was excited for the new chapter in my life. After Anatomy & Physiology let out, I left for work. But what I encountered on the drive changed me forever.

It had been raining heavily all day but I didn’t think anything of it. As I drove through the downpour I got caught in an overflow of water from a creek next to the road and my car died. I phoned my neighbor and he said the local news was calling for our area to be flooded. Residents 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 somewhat back on track. With the help of friends and community volunteers, I spent the next week cleaning up a huge 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. Many memories and things I had worked hard for had perished in a matter of hours. People looking from the outside didn’t understand why I couldn’t just wash things and save them. But flood water is not the same water as when the bathtub overflows. It is full of mud, sediment, and bacteria. You have to dispose of everything the infected water touches. I also didn’t know if I had the strength to continue with school. 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 nearly started crying in the restaurant. 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 anyone going through a life change or devastating situation, my heart, good wishes and prayers go out to you! I know the feeling of helplessness. But don’t give up! Keep going. Get up every day and do the best you can. 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. Let them know there are better days ahead but it’s going to take some time to get there. GOOD LUCK!!!!