It was a short week leading up to the 4th. The 249th anniversary of Independence was fast approaching, and we were all set for a four day week. Of course, the week started with, "Can we get this done before the 4th", and other such requests.
A birthday swim was not expected, as the rain was quite harsh. I had planned to drive over to Samantha and we were going to head out to the parade in her town. Come rain or shine, it was going ahead! I went out early, so that I could be ready to leave early and get to her early! She wanted to be at the parade at eight, as it started at 8:30 a.m. "I can't see it being that crowded" said my husband, who was not going to join us. Really. "You said that about the first 'midnight madness, on Thanksgiving", I reminded him. Samantha arrived at my house a little after seven thirty, and we were at the car park a little before eight. Free hotdogs and drinks were being handed out, and despite the drizzle, the crowd was already three deep. We spotted a small space, and I maneuvered into place. The rain started and we put up our umbrellas. Resistance was futile! Samantha got the little one out of his push-chair, and put him in his 'shark' suit. A waterproof onsie with a hat and visor to keep out the rain. We stood, without umbrellas, and watched as the red, white and blue lights came over the hill.
I was surprised at the level of my emotions. This little boy, dressed in his 'shark' suit, was a part of this parade. He is an American! He waved his little flag as the first group came down the road. Army, Airforce and Navy cadets were marching by. Everyone was cheering. It was quite the parade, for a small town. Then came the library staff on their float. The baseball continency threw out soft balls. Chick-fil-A came through, handing out coupons and throwing cuddly toys, one of which I caught. The rain continued to fall, and we stood waving our flags!
Many floats went by, and we collected all the things they were handing out, from plastic ducks to bags of sweets, and hats, t-shirts, and a lot in between. The little girl next to me was quite exited. "It's like Halloween!" I said to her. "We have more candy than we got at Halloween!" she said, pointing to her mother's bulging pockets!
"That's Cori's friend" said my daughter, as we watched a group of women on horses come down the hill. Sitting behind her was Cori and her daughter. Waving to the crowd, they spotted us. "Teddy!" they both shouted! My grandson was also picked out of the crowd by the photographer, who spotted his suit. With the other two children, standing next to us, he became part of the proceedings.
Despite being soaking wet, I loved being part of this tradition. We stayed until the very end, and then unloaded the oodles of bits and pieces we had collected.
The weather was not conducive to sitting outside by the pool. Samantha took the little one home, and we met up later for dinner. The restaurant staff sang to me and presented me with an enormous piece of chocolate cake with a candle. It had been a wonderful day, despite being very wet.
I drove to Samantha on Saturday morning, and off we went to the warehouse. We walked around and heard the rain. My grandson was in his suit and boots, and enjoyed jumping in puddles. I waited under the cover, but when my daughter brought her truck around to pick up the shopping, which was in one box, ready to be put into the truck bed, in one foul swoop, I helped her. Within seconds, I was soaking. I had an umbrella but it was useless. "I am too old to go in for a wet t-shirt contest", I commented to my daughter as I got into the truck, and sat shivering as my shirt stuck to me as if I had just jumped into a pool! We continued with our shopping and I came home, and spent the afternoon watching the sky, for a break in the rain.
Although the rain did not stop, there was no lightening. I went to the pool, with my umbrella, to cover my towel, as I had not checked the skimmers that morning, due to the storm, and planned to do so after my swim. The skimmers were full, but of water and not leaves as I supposed they would be. The water was splashing over the edges, like an infinity pool. I admit, despite reservations, I swam before calling Raul. Our illustrious chairman was out of town until Sunday, and I did not know how to drain the water, or reset the pump, should it need resetting. I apologised profusely, but said I didn't know what to do. He was very gracious and said he would come immediately. He is a gem!
Sunday morning was dry for a while. The sun came out for a while. The full horror of what happened in Kerrville was still not realised. We are in hurricane season. According to all accounts, this is not the first disaster in the area. The fact it was a holiday weekend, added to the death toll. There are many heroes in this story, saving people, and the wonder of a woman found up a tree, alive and well, just waiting for someone to rescue her.
The office opposite ours had suffered a roof collapse. It was more of a tile collapse, as we recognised the failure of the air conditioning unit filter. We have suffered from the same in the past. When there is an excess of rain, the filters seem to clog and 'back up'. It causes a mess, and of course, the first impression is that the roof has caved in!
Stories of horror were revealed as the week started. Communities in the next county had been submerged, and cut off from the 'mainland'. Rivers had broken their banks and flooded farms, parks, and of course low level houses. "How can we help?" was heard everywhere.
Our community is being re-roofed, as there was considerable damage from the hail, last year. Although the job should not have taken so long to start, variables (of which I will not go into) prevented the job from beginning, but it is now in full swing. Unfortunately, like so many others, the roofers were 'caught out' by the severity of the rain, and some of the more recent repairs were not completely completed! Suffice it to say, we had some leaks in one of our sections. The workers were amazing, and showed up every day, come rain or shine, to work on the leaks. I found out on Monday that the owner's daughter had been at Camp Mystic! She was safe, but her friends had perished. Everyone knows, or knows of someone ....! It really brought it home!
Rain came and went throughout the week, and each time the clouds appeared, we held our breath. I was concerned for my neighbours, but it appears they managed to contain the leaks, and will not start on the next block of buildings until all is complete in the others.
I received many messages, asking how I was, and if we were near the floods. It was nice to have so many people care. In typical Texas fashion, establishments throughout the state gave their profits for one day to the 'disaster fund', and people flocked to the outlets to buy. Many sat in queues for over an hour to order at take outs. One particular fast food chain, P. Terry, had promised to open longer to accommodate their patrons, but had to close at least one store early, as they ran out of food! The report was that people were buying double what they would usually do in order to give more!
The week came to an end and we shut up shop! My phone rang and I noticed it was my son, 'face timing'. It was seven forty my time, so early hours of the morning in England. Surprisingly enough, I did not panic. I saw my oldest grandson sitting, smiling. "Why are you up so late?" I asked, before noticing the cast, and sling holding his arm. "What did you do?" I asked, although it was somewhat obvious! Breaking a wrist whilst playing football was the answer! His smile, from ear to ear, showed his pride with his 'badge of honour!' Apparently, it had not hurt a great deal, and it was only the swelling that caused the trip to the hospital. At nearly two in the morning, there was no one to tell. "What time is it in America", he had asked his dad. "Do you want to call Grandma?" was the response. Once in a while it pays to be six hours behind!
There is a saying, "I was not born in Texas, but I came here as fast as I could!" (Please forgive any misquote.) I feel as if I am part of Texas, having lived here for two decades, and my youngest grandson is Texas born and (being) bred! We are Texas strong! I heard that thirty million dollars has been raised so far, for the disaster fund, and whilst that will not compensate for loss of lives, it will help rebuild for those left behind. No one, here, has been untouched by the disaster.
I will end this week by using a phrase I have heard before, and will no doubt hear again, and one which you have probably all heard. Take some time to hug your kids, loved ones, family, even neighbours, because you never know what tomorrow will bring! There really is little else to say, until .... another story!
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