I had a blog post all ready in my brain to post today.
But I can't.
I'm totally distracted by news of the Nashville flood, trying to ascertain that all my friends are okay (so far all but a couple are accounted for, and several of those I've heard from have terrible damage). Half of me wishes I was there, not that I could do much, because I think it is difficult to get around on flooded roads.
The national media isn't giving this story much attention, but the city is in terrible, terrible shape. The Opryland hotel, for instance, is under six feet of water and will be closed for months. I just watched a video on YouTube of a building (yes, a building) floating down I-24, a major freeway. Here it is:
I've also found some photos from this Twitpic site. Check them out:
I'm trying to figure out what the best way to help is going to be, probably donating to the Red Cross. A lot of the photos and videos I've seen show terrible damage to businesses and homes that are clearly owned by people without a lot of money; people who probably don't have flood insurance because they didn't think they needed it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime storm.
I'll be back to regular blogging tomorrow, but in the meantime, let's all send our thoughts and prayers to Nashville, okay? And once I figure out what the best way to donate to relief efforts is, I'll let you know.
***UPDATE: Thanks to JoAnn Ross via Twitter, go here to donate to the Middle Tennessee Red Cross.
Patty - Why Not Start Now?
Thanks for sharing that Charlotte. I’m totally out-of-touch about it, so I am sending all good thoughts to you and Nashville.
Charlotte Dixon
Thanks, Patty. Most people haven’t heard much about the flooding, there’s too much else to focus on–the oil spill and the bomb scare in NYC. Thanks for your good thoughts!
Jessica
I’m really sorry to hear that. I saw something on CNN here about flooding somewhere in USA. The sound on the tv wasn’t up though so I didn’t catch where it was.
Just before I left Australia, my city was hit by a very bad storm which flooded some areas. The images I saw all the time on the tv never meant much to me until that day. Now I have a better understanding of the devastation and loss.
If possible, please let us know how things develop over the coming weeks in your beloved Nashville.
Charlotte Dixon
Jessica, Isn’t it odd how that happens–that a disaster never means much to you until you experience it yourself? Our house burned years ago and forever after I am so sympathetic to fire victims, because I know what they are going through. Thanks for your good thoughts, I’ll keep everyone updated.
Jessica
Yep, CNN just ran the story again. They’re saying 19 people have been killed by the storms.
There’s a phenominal amount of water there at the moment.
Leisa A. Hammett
Nice to know others outside of here care. And we are not happy with the national media slight. Here’s my post from the frontlines: http://leisahammett.typepad.com/the_journey_with_grace/2010/05/bobbing-up-for-air-in-nashville.html
Charlotte Dixon
It is a great post, Leisa and I’m glad you put the info up here. Any new information you have, let me know and I’ll make sure to blog about it.