LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, April 18, 2011

Again We Are Fortunate

Severe weather raged across most of North Carolina late Saturday.  Here we had high winds and driving rain.  The sun burst out on Sunday with a blessed calm.  Our county had flash flooding and some downed trees.  Other areas of our state were not so fortunate.

Sixty-two tornadoes ripped through the Piedmont, leaving scores of injured and at least twenty-one people dead.

I went to my favorite spot to reflect on the loss of those lives and the devastation left behind.  There is an overlook in our community and I often go there to sit on a bench and admire the beauty.  From the overlook I can see a farm valley below and the gorgeous mountains in the background.  It is a lovely spot.  In fact, the header photograph I am currently using was taken from that spot.

I was a bit surprised.  The small river had swollen from its banks, flooding the valley below.


I took this photograph on Sunday.  Compare it to the header and you can appreciate the amount of water.



I thought how fortunate we are to have escaped the worst of the weather, and how terrible this Sunday morning dawned for others across the state.  Eleven people died in Bertie County...a rural area with a population of only twenty thousand.

This photograph is from the Raleigh News and Observer


This week marks Holy Week for Christians and Passover for Jews.  For all of us of any faith (including those whose faith is not based on a deity) I ask that we think about those who were affected by these storms and all others who are suffering, both in our country and across the earth.  The oft-used phrase, "Count your blessings" is appropriate for all of us.

17 comments:

Rudee said...

It's very humbling. I'm glad to hear you're safe, but saddened by all of the devastation surrounding you.

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I, too, am glad that you were spared any damage or injury ... but will definitely pray for those who were affected by the storms.

Carolina Linthead said...

We had friends in harm's way...thankfully they're okay, but their world was rocked. I read also that Shaw University in Raleigh had to suspend classes for the rest of this semester because of extensive damage. My heart goes out to my native state...it will always be my home. Thank you for posting this, and for all prayers offered on behalf of the victims. May light perpetual shine upon the souls of the departed, and may peace which passes all understanding be known to those who now must rebuild their lives.

Appalachian Lady said...

Glad you were safe from the tornadoes. I keep thinking about those who were not so fortunate. This has been a spring with violent storms.

Karin said...

My heart is saddened and goes out to all who have suffered loss and trauma. I'm glad you were spared and are safe. It's really hard to know just what to say - may God show His mercy and grace in powerful ways and bring good out of tragedy.

Jill said...

My heart goes out to all who suffered loss during the storms. We had lots of local flooding here as well. I can't imagine the pain and sadness that these folks are feeling. What a beautiful and thoughtful post.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I was so upset after I turned on the tv this morning and saw all the devastation. (especially since I pre-posted about my house looking so pretty!) I am thankful you are well....my prayers go out to those who are not as fortunate.
xo

KGMom said...

I am making the rounds checking my blogging friends who live in points south in the storm's path.
Glad all is well for you.

Toni aka irishlas said...

I can't help but have all those who suffered through these storms in my thoughts. I do count my blessings and appreciate every moment I am given.

Having been through the wrath of tornadoes, I understand their fear.

Glad to hear you're okay.

George said...

I'm glad you dodged the weather bullet again. We also had lots of rain over the weekend.

troutbirder said...

Natures fury can be terrible. No doubt about that.

Anonymous said...

That's a LOT of water!

The way the tornadoes didn't hit just rural areas as usually happens, but roared right into the cities as if on a rampage is terrifying to imagine.

Did you see the pictures of the cars driving across the bridge even as the tornado approached..? Holy smokes!

Do you remember tornadoes in NC when you were growing up? I don't. Another side effect of climate change?

You gave some excellent advice for all of us.

Vicki Lane said...

Indeed, we've been fortunate in our area -- so much beautiful weather while such devastation was wreaked in the center of the state.

Lola said...

So glad you are ok. So many did not escape. We just got some wind. Knocked my corn over.
Prayers go out to all that experienced this storm.

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

JeanMac said...

I will not grumble about the very unexpected snow we had today! Thinking of all the people affected by Mother Nature. Happy Easter, NCMW:)

Folkways Note Book said...

I am amazed at all the storms and flooding that many states in the eastern part of the country have had. Many lives lost, injuries, loss of homes, and lands and towns flooding like in your photo. Farmers have been unable to put in early crops because of flooded and muddy fields. I am writing this on Wed. Apr. 4th and it looks like sunshine here (KY) tomorrow. Then its back to rain. I truly love rain but not when it is overdone. Beautiful header. --- barbara