Lat year, our neighborhood suffered pretty significant property damage after a week of fairly steady rain. The storm drains and the sewer system were unable to handle the volume of water and "material". The neighborhood got together and raised a ruckus with city officials. To their credit, the officials decided to spend millions to research the problems and implement improvements.
During the past week, we have had record-setting rainfalls. Amazingly, there has been very minimal damage to our neighborhood.
However, I live not to far from areas that have been devastated by flooding. In fact, my in-laws live about 78 miles away from us. They just returned there after a long winter in Florida. My wife and I are unable to visit them. Due to flooding issues, there is no safe way to reach them - other than a very circuitous route (perhaps 200 miles one way). This is a minor convenience when compared to the situations of people that have lost their homes and/or livelihoods.
We oftern overlook the incredible power of water. When we are thirsty, a few ounces of water really helps. When we burn our finger taking something out of the oven, a little bit of water is sure soothing. The same water also crushed homes and ruined farm crops as we watched and could do nothing about it.
The situation reminds us that, as human beings, we are never in control. We can spend millions on pills and therapists to help us deal with this reality, or we can embrace our (and each other's) vulnerability and lead fairly stress-free lives.
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