The wide-spread flooding in the first days of May 2010 will be a part of the history of Middle Tennessee.  But history will not be able to communicate the personal impact of changed neighborhoods and lives or the tremendous response of the people.  There are as many stories as there are affected homes.  We only have to stand on our corner, look up our street to know that each house has a different story, each pile of debris that once represented the elements of a family’ s lives is unique to that particular household and that our quiet, peaceful neighborhood has been forever changed.  Our story and the loss we experienced is unique.  Our road to recovery is unique.

Your response to our flood disaster has left us speechless and without the proper words to tell you how much it has meant to us.  Family and close friends had started the arduous task of removing the muddy, soggy contents of our downstairs when this capable, hard-working, energetic group arrived at our house, waded into the murky mess without hesitation or complaint and immediately made a difference. The youth group of Hickory Bend brought a much-needed aliveness of spirit, and hard work for five days.  We would never have accomplished so much without them.

Other folks came, worked hard, brought supplies and food, (we are reluctant to name names for fear of leaving someone out), others called to check on us, organized efforts and kept us in their thoughts and prayers. It seems that the person with the right skill and knowledge or the right supply, tool or vehicle always showed up at just the right time.  We never had to ask.

The response for a work day at our home was phenomenal.  The day’s efforts allowed us to step back and assess our next steps.  When you left, debris had been bagged and moved to the street for pick up, we had power working in all parts of the house, we had a water heater installed and working, our grass had been mowed, some of our collectibles had been cleaned and packed, general demolition and cleanup had been accomplished, the upstairs of our house had been cleaned, and we had meals for several days.  Our youngest volunteer (Trinity) worked as hard as anyone.

We are grateful for every form of support and encouragement we have received.

Our losses were significant and we still have much to do, but we also know we are more fortunate than many.  We also know how fortunate we are that, if this disaster had to happen, it happened while we were in the love and care of the Hickory Bend family.

Our love and gratitude to you,

Gary and Darla

Bea Goggins