On the street where Miss Wanda lives

I had just begun recovering from a back injury when we received the call to serve [as part of the as the Hurricane Harvey Mormon Helping Hands contingent of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]. Knowing that I couldn’t do much of the heavy lifting like everyone else on my team, I decided to take some time to visit with each homeowner. Hearing their stories of what happened during the flood and now during the aftermath was very sobering. I can’t imagine experiencing what they have been through and will go through for years to come until all has been rebuilt and restored.

I connected with one homeowner in particular. Miss Wanda raised her grandson who is now 15 years old. He’s had some trouble in his youth and has been through a lot. Miss Wanda, now in her 60s, has worked hard to provide for his needs and be a positive role model for him.

It hadn’t flooded in their neighborhood since 1966. So they truly did not think it would flood. But the day came. At noon the water was halfway up their yard. They were on a slight incline so they thought they would be okay. Two hours later the water was at the front door. They felt the ground shake beneath them, saw bubbles coming up through the flooring, then the waters rushed in and began to rise. Within minutes their home flooded up to four feet. Her grandson got on the counter, but Miss Wanda couldn’t because she has arthritis in her knees. They put her purse (which had her wallet & both of their phones in it) on the counter.

A good while later, a truck of volunteers stopped a few houses up the road but couldn’t come to her house. She and her grandson braced themselves as they pushed through the strong current to get to the truck as rain continued to pour down. The elderly neighbor across the street needed help, so Miss Wanda’s grandson went to help her. During his effort to help he was separated from Miss Wanda, and she could no longer see him through the rainfall. The truck driver told her they had to leave immediately, so she went with them while looking back, trying to find her grandson through the heavy rain. She prayed that he would be watched over. She was taken to a shelter where she waited and watched for her grandson. Finally, he showed up at the shelter! Her prayer was answered! What a blessing!

They had each other, their phones, her wallet and the wet clothes they arrived in. Dry clothes were not provided so they couldn’t wash their wet clothes, having nothing else to wear while they dried. So for two days they remained in their wet, contaminated clothes.

She has worked at the public library for 37 years and was hoping to retire soon. Her home would’ve been paid off when she turns 80, but the flood damage changed that. She now has no idea when she will reach her goal.

I sat and talked with her as she watched the kind strangers tear down the walls that were rotting and rummage thru her belongings, tossing everything that was below the water line. Her arms and head hung low. It was heartbreaking seeing what she was going through.

We cried together and talked about her life experiences. She mentors youth during the week and visits the elderly on weekends. What a blessing she is to so many! A tremendous example of someone who doesn’t hide their light under a bushel. And she gives all glory to her Father in Heaven. My life is blessed because I know her. We exchanged numbers, and I promised to stay in touch.

As our team began gathering our tools and other supplies, Miss Wanda and I saw a beautiful black butterfly with yellow spots on it. We discussed that butterflies can be symbolic of the resurrection of our Savior. Although she is unsure of what the future holds, she will have a “new” life as she moves forward. The road ahead will be tough, but so is her faith in Jesus Christ, as is His love for her and all of our brothers and sisters facing similar trials.