The forgotten few helping with flood recovery

As the anniversary of the historic flooring which ravaged Carter County and much of Missouri rapidly approaches, the actions of so many, throughout that time, fill my mind.

The feelings of awe and overwhelming appreciation can sparsely leave my thought patterns as I consider what a few have done to better the situation of many.

I sat in a planning meeting in February and considered how, although these few have not been recognized for their efforts, they continue to sacrifice their time, special gifts and put their abilities to work, asking nothing in return except that our community and our residents recover with dignity.

Although each community can seemingly develop a list of names, which is long and admittedly, should be included, I wish to bring merely a few to the forefront in an attempt to say thank you.

The first group of people we seldom think about, but are critical in our community recovery and resiliency are long-range planning committees.

I have stood by and observed as this group of caring individuals spend countless hours striving to meet the needs of our area. Few consider that these groups of men and women receive no benefit from their inclusion other than sitting on the sidelines and strategize about how best to help.

I have watched as the groups remain committed to fairness, diligent record keeping and resiliency.

One such long-range planning committee, the Carter County committee has completed 10 major overhaul or complete new residential builds since the flooding at no cost to the affected residents and replaced three complete roof structures.

Additionally, the committee has utilized over $89,000 dollars of private funds, received through donations, working diligently towards returning 12 of our residents to a pre-flood state through conducting minor repairs on their residence, property, fencing and other housing needs.

The group has been involved in rebuilding multiple wheelchair ramps and other amenities to ease the access to the properties for some of our residents in need of enhanced structures.

During the initial recovery, the committee, through donations provided multiple emergency generators to assist emergency responders, volunteers and residents at a cost of $75 per generator per day.

Groups, such as the Carter County long-range planning committee, have worked through a wide array of adversity to ensure our communities rise above the devastation, hardships and frustration.

Their work has embodied the concept of community. Without the countless hours of service by these men and women, many of our neighbors would be left with very little hope for recovery.

Although I am fully aware that your emphasis is not in self, I wish to say thank you. Your service matters. Your diligence has allowed our citizens, our children to sleep sounder this night.

Another group which long not for recognition due to their service is the men and women of our faith-based communities.

I feel the best way to sum up their contribution to our communities throughout the flooding of 2017 and its aftermath is to relay a personal story about my interaction with this fine group.

I recall approximately one week into the disaster. I was rapidly becoming extremely fatigued due to the stress of the events and my desire to provide for my citizens. Responding to command centers and makeshift field-operation centers I recall one of our local ministers rapidly approaching me.

As the minister and I came to a joining point, he asked me to come with him. I reluctantly stated that I was headed to the next area in need, and I had to inquire if we could resolve whatever he needed on the go, as we walked.

The minister, although possessing the same look of stress, fatigue and overwhelming sadness on his face as surely I did, simply smiled and explained.

He had people who wished to speak to me for a brief moment. I relented and honestly decided that I didn’t have the energy to come up with an excuse as to why the next task on my ever-growing list should take priority over his request.

As the minister escorted me to a large group of men and women, he quickly thrust me into the middle of the group.

The minister explained that the groups standing before and around me were over 40 faith-based chaplains. He explained briefly that their purpose was to help our community and offer prayer or grief counseling to anyone who desired and to be of any assistance to our residents, volunteers, and first responders needed.

The minister stated that the group would first like to take a moment and surround me with prayer.

Speechless, I could merely foster a simple nod in the affirmative as my eyes began to water.

At that moment, the stress of the previous days, the uncertainty of our future and the enormous pressure which weighed upon this leader was released.

For a group made up primarily of strangers to take a moment to ask for my strength, my wisdom, to recognize the pressures of leadership in a moment such as this, to care, was overwhelmingly beautiful.

Our faith-based men and women contributed greatly throughout our disaster and our community. Whether it was simply lifting us up in thoughts and prayers, providing meals and supplies, or hammering nails and cleaning mud, they provided these services with honor and a servant’s heart.

The groups that served through this disaster and others cared little about denomination, status or what they or their group could profit. They merely wished to fulfill their mission to serve.

Many times we lose sight of the smaller things, and we strive to conquer the larger beast.

As Mahatma Gandhi once stated, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

The aforementioned groups, alongside countless others have served with valiance, with no regard to having their identities publicized.

I for one say – you forgotten few … you hold value in my heart and in the hearts of your community. Thank you.