Friday, May 14, 2010

Post from Moms: Flood Recovery

We're letting Moms interrupt here for a really important post:

As most of you may have heard the weekend that Casey and I got back from the cruise, Tennessee recorded one of it's biggest floods in history. This wasn't just a little water folks, it was a LOT! 15-22 inches fell in a 24 hour period! For 72 hours straight, our local stations covered the situation. It caught so many by surprise and the water rose so fast, that 22 have been confirmed dead and several are missing. Sadly, several of my and Casey good friends lost everything. It was a widespread flood. Downtown Nashville was flooded up to 2nd Avenue. The Grand Ol' Opry house flooded, along with the Opryland Hotel and Opry Mills mall. The Hard Rock Cafe and The Wildhorse Saloon flooded too. That list is just the beginning of a HUGE list of flooded business and personal homes. Buildings were floating down the interstate, and all 3 major interstates in Nashville were closed, because they were under water. We got very little national news coverage. Check out this video that really tells the whole story.



Nashville is just about 50 miles north of us. There was flooding as far south as Rutherford County, which is only about 30 miles north of us. We were very lucky in Shelbyville. We didn't have nearly as much rain down south. Casey and I weren't sure what roads would be passable by the time we got back to Tennessee, so we cut our trip short and started driving right after we got off the boat. We were lucky. We had perfect weather most of the way home. We only drove in about 40 minutes of rain total. By the time we got home, the rain had stopped. It was only then that we learned how bad things were up in Nashville and out in west Tennessee. It broke my heart to watch the animal rescues. So many agencies pitched in to help rescue the ones left behind. Check out the ASPCA blog to read about the rescue effort and to see a great slide show. Folks, we still need a lot of help. Please give to your organization of choice, if you can. WE ARE NASHVILLE!!

13 comments:

  1. We have been seeing the disaster film footage on the TV. Nashville has been in our prayers for a quick recovery from this terrible disaster.

    We are headed over to the ASPCA blog now...

    Thanks for the local info on this horrible situation

    Hugs
    Beth (Dory and Bilbo too!)

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  2. We have been watching this on the news. It is awful! Will go and check it out -- thanks.

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  3. It is just a horrible situation there. And the sad part is that people think all is OK once the water recedes. But it isn't - that's when all the sadness sets in and reality hits. We have pawed some help through our Dad's work. We are glad you are all OK but sad for your friends and all who have suffered such devastating losses.

    Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

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  4. Even in our area, we have seen footage & hearing about the devasting flood waters!
    We are very happy to hear that you guys are safe!
    That is a lot of rain!!!


    (((hugs)) your friends
    Oskar, Schatzi & Xena

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  5. I forgot somehow that you live in TN so I didn't even think about it affecting you and your loved ones until I read this post.

    I'm glad you're all OK but sad for your friends and all who have suffered such devastating losses.

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  6. We are all glad that you are OK. Mom and Dad watched it all on the news. They have been to Nashville and Memphis several times. Soooo sad to see so much flooding. Not a good way to end your vacation.

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  7. So very sad to see all the flooding! Can't wait to read more of your blog. Your dogs are so cute!

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  8. We had no idea it was so bad.
    Sorry about your friends and all those who are suffering.
    Take care
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  9. Maybe because most of my extended family lives in Nashville (spent summers at my grandfathers farm near Hillsboro and Old Hickory - back when that was in the middle of nowhere), we have been very aware of the devastation. I remember the floods in the 70's when Opryland Park (which has been closed for ages) was flooded out and have pictures of the rollercoasters under water. My mother is in Nashville this weekend connecting with relatives.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone there through the recovery. And, you are right, Nashville has much to proud of in the way they have dealt with this disaster.

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  10. That is always so scary when doggies get apart from their families during big disasters. I am sending momma over there with her plastic money right now.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

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  11. This caused quite a stir in the romance world. The RWA (Romance Writers of America) planned to have their big national conference there this year. Due to the flooding they had to move it to Florida. I couldn't believe the pictures! Many romance writers joined together to help raise money but when you see the devastation you wonder if it is enough. So sad.

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  12. So sad to see. We have been seeing it on the news here too. I can't even begin to imagine what it is like to deal with that. Please keep us updated.
    Snuggles,
    Twix and Mom

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  13. The situation is so heartbreaking, and reminds me so much of the terrible flooding we've experienced in the St Louis area through the years. My thoughts are with you!

    Pat
    www.critteralley.blogspot.com

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