This flood has also touched my family personally. My cousin is stranded in a hilltop house outside of Nashville, along with several other area families. The flood waters rose so fast they could not get out of their road. Their only resort was to climb to the highest home in the area. A helicopter now brings in prepared meals, water and medical supplies. There is no electricity and no plumbing. Two boys in a kayak also brought water. My cousin is a retired heart surgery nurse so she and two others in the area provide medical care by boat for 175 others that are stranded in the area. Did you read that? By boat - the only way to reach these people now is by boat! I’m so proud of Myrna and her dedication and courage. She is one of many Nashville angels!
There is also the story of the lady whose beautiful brick home was completely surrounded by water. No vehicles could go in or out. Suddenly she smelled smoke and realized her home was ablaze. Frantically calling 911 on her cell, she realized no one could come. No one could reach her and her small dog because of the flooding. She kept asking herself silently, ’Burn to death or drown?’ ‘Burn to death or drown?’ Suddenly she saw a jet-ski coming toward her. The man had seen the smoke and came out of curiousity. When he saw the flames in her garage and two vehicles in the fire path, he quickly maneuvered the jet-ski closer and motioned that she jump. With her small dog tucked under her arm, she jumped onto the back of his jet-ski, clasping tightly to her new-found angel. Less than 20 seconds later, they heard and felt the blast as her home was destroyed. Twenty seconds … death was so close. A curious bypasser had saved the lives of a stranger and her dog. Nashville has a big heart and she has many stories of heroism and selflessness in this flood, and more stories come in daily.
Would you like to be a hero? Several Nashville artists have shared their talent in designing memorial t-shirts to benefit the ’hands-on’ daily rescue and care of victims in the Nashville's hardest hit areas. Please check out this site. You can see who will benefit from your generosity and kindness. Here’s the link: Nashville Flood Rescue Funds
So night spots along Nashville’s Historic Riverfront are beginning to open again. The Nashville Symphony lost two beautiful grand pianos to the flood. But this weekend, the tears will dry, and the symphony will play again! They will provide a free outdoor concert on Nashville’s downtown square - everyone is welcome! Albeit it slow, Nashville is beginning to ‘sing’ again.
Blessings to all angels and heroes,
Sherie Smith
The Fundraising Designer
email: fundraisingdesigner@gmail.com
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/sheriesmith
About Sherie Smith:
Sherie Smith shows people how to achieve the Ultimate Fundraising Success in her free multi-part minicourse which can be found at: http://www.3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com. Her newest book, '3 Hours to Fundraising Success', a step-by-step copycat manual to the '$4,500 in 3 Hours' project, will be released in 2010.
Copyright Sherie Smith - All Rights Reserved
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