Another anniversary
We know the drill - since 1979 living creekside along the usually peaceful sandy creek Lycoming. We listen to the NOAA report, watch the water, begin relocating items from the basement level up to the back porch room and garage if there is time.
9/7/11 mid-morning - While at a downtown shop having a relaxing day, I view a cellphone photo showing the raging Loyalsock. Should we prepare to move the Red Dog storage unit housing my brother's belongings or our son's and friend's vintage RV with no engaged battery or gas from aside our garage out of harm's way to others downstream?
9/7/11 early-late afternoon - Probably the best plan. Both are relocatable, thanks to other sites not being reachable and the generosity of an already overworked gas company friend.
9/7/11 mid-evening and night - Time to move up the downstairs basement household paints, tools, pantry supplies and sports equipment. We do what we can in two hours and by 11:15 p.m. "hit the hay" only to be awakened by the generosity of volunteer fire people going door-to-door announcing evacuation warnings. We have about 1 1/2 hours to move out as the Ralston water gauge readings increase. More to quickly haul up (from the basement and) then move the vehicles.
But where do we go at 2 a.m. with the rain so heavy it's almost impossible to see in familiar surroundings? The police officer at our Dunkin' Donuts stop directs us to Montoursville - the "open" relief site.
Wait, we have keys to our downtown church. Ironically, a disaster relief site in theory. A laborious trip back two miles in the downpour produces relief - the keys.
The church always hss been there for us - for food, shelter, peaceful sleep and emotional support since 1996. And the anniversaries continue.
And we, who know the risk of not knowing or heeding the warnings to leave, continue to help those with unmet needs from flooding in a countywide mission through the United Churches of Lycoming County. We are thankful for all the help and support but most especially for those unsolicited hands and feet and the generosity of their giving of time.
The anniversaries will continue. Our lives regain strength and we reach out to others. Blessings abound!
Gail Landers
Old Lycoming Township
