Picking Up The Pieces

Houghton County Fathers Day Flood - June 17, 2018

I'm not much of a writer and honestly don't generally enjoy it.  I have many blog posts in line that I should be posting but I am finding it hard to jump back into my normal routine without acknowledging Sunday's tragedy. 

I live in an area where we are generally safe from most natural disasters.  The snowfall amounts sometimes break records but nothing we can't handle and aren't prepared for.  

Bridgefest activities were in full swing on Saturday with the town buzzing with locals listening to live music, enjoying a meal from local food vendors and neighbors enjoying each others company.  Sunday morning Houghton County woke up to a completely different scene with shocking destruction from a rainstorm that night that NOBODY saw coming!  A historic storm ripped through our towns causing major sinkholes, taking out roads, houses, and cars.  The same park where hundreds were gathered just the day before now had rushing water engulfing the parking lot.  My home and all my family members homes were spared, but unfortunately, many others weren't so lucky.  Although I wasn't directly affected by the destruction I can't seem to force my mind to think of anything else.  If I wanted I could continue with my day to day life like nothing happened because fortunately my house is still standing and I am still able to get to work everyday.  It's a weird thing though jumping back into "normalcy" when you know SO many others don't have the option.  More than anything I want to be in the streets with my neighbors digging out houses, delivering meals to volunteer workers, passing out supplies and offering encouragement.  I always knew that the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was some place special but this natural disaster has really shown how truly special the PEOPLE who call this place home are too!  Everywhere you look there are neighbors helping neighbors, businesses donating time, resources and financial assistance, churches offering meals, and everything in between. 

Why am I writing this?  I don't know, I guess I wanted you to know that i'm still here but honestly my mind is elsewhere these days.  I'm giving myself permission to step away for a few weeks so I can actually get my hands dirty, cry with my neighbors, thank the wonderful people working tirelessly day and night and praise God for what we still have.

If you are a praying person, please say one for my community, the people whose houses were destroyed, the family who lost their beautiful son, and the rest of us just trying to pick up the pieces.

xoxo - Natalie Carolyn

If you are interested in finding out more about the flood, volunteer opportunities or ways to get help please head over to website: www.coppercountrystrong.com