A wise one said “You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can’t take the Texas out of the girl.” Never has that been more true than this past week as I watched from afar while Hurricane Harvey took its toll on the state, city, and people I love. Houston was my home for the first 18 years of my life, and it’s hard to imagine the place we visited on vacation just 2 weeks ago is unrecognizable.
I’ve “gone dark” online because nothing I could say would adequately convey the waves of anxiety, fear, and love that have taken over each day. How my family’s homes were spared in the midst of all the destruction, I will never know. But I am forever grateful.
Houston has shown us the best of humanity and I want share my gratitude. Thank you to…
- The first responders and the Texas National Guard who have been working around the clock rescuing people trapped in their homes.
- The families of those first responders and Guard members who sit at home worried for their safety as they do this important work.
- The good people of Houston who, without any rescue training, got out there and saved lives.
- My friends and family who kept me updated on Facebook/called/emailed/texted throughout the horrifying experience, and who made sure my people were safe.
- Everyone who shared addresses of people who needed help, and those who went out there to save them.
- The people who made a human chain to save an SUV driver stuck in flood waters.
- The disaster relief workers who haven’t slept in days, and are making families feel as comfortable and taken-care-of as they can under these circumstances.
- The Cajun Navy.
- Mattress Mack.
- JJ Watt. Kevin Hart. The Rock. Miley Cyrus.
- The people creating and sharing the hilarious memes that are actually making us laugh for a moment—even in the midst of this tragedy.
- All the hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that have been giving things for FREE to hurricane victims and disaster workers.
- The reporters who have been helping keep people safe and informed, and even saving lives themselves (did you guys see the woman doing a live shot who helped save the guy sinking in his 18-wheeler??)
- Whoever got those nursing home patients out of that facility where they were waist-deep in water.
- The guy that was carrying the woman with the sleeping baby on her chest through the floodwaters to safety.
- The animal lovers who’ve been saving and caring for the pets left stranded.
- Everyone who has made a donation to help Harvey victims.
Houston, you make me so proud. My heart is full and I can’t wait to come home again. There’s no denying this girl has been “taken” out of Texas (thanks a lot, Dave)—but rest assured, the Texas will never be taken out of the girl. Y’all are my people. Sending so much love…
Could not have expressed appreciation any better myself. I’ve been Texas proud since I was a small child (1950’s), unable to understand why people thought Texans exaggerated size and abilities here. We were just being truthful. Now the world has seen that we do do everything bigger and better, including hurricanes, hospitality, and compassion. Thanks to all the people from other towns, cities, states, and even countries who have shown us such unflagging support. They are all now honorary Texans with a special place in their hearts tattooed “T” for Texas and for Thanks.
Besa, I am Jordan’s Mom. I came here from FB. I was born in El Paso, a whole lot of years ago, Lived there only a couple of years, but am so PROUD of the response of my birthplace. Thank you for showcasing the best of America.