It has been hearbreaking to watch from afar as my hometown has been engulfed in floodwaters these past few days. And yet while my heart continues to hurt for the immeasurable loss, it also swells with pride at the resilience and kindness of Nashvillians. As has been pointed out by other bloggers, Nashville has not experienced the looting and crime one might expect in such a crisis. Instead, everybody has worked together as one, not wasting a moment to help their neighbors, friends and strangers. And that, my friends, is why I still believe in southern hospitatliy.
Unfortunately, it seems Ben and I are taking on the task of single-handedly telling Calgarians what has happened. The Canadian media did (and continues to do) an abysmal job of covering this news - as in, I have been scouring the country's top news media websites all week and not found even a shred of coverage about our beloved Nashville. The Calgary Stampede uses the name "Nashville North" for its main concert venue, but ironically they seem to know very little about our great city, or to grasp the loss happening there now, and I find that a hard pill to swallow.
I wrote the below email and sent it out to our entire office of 500 people, hoping to reach at least a few - and at least a few have talked to me since, telling me that after taking the time to look at photos, they were moved almost to tears and generously offered me their support and sympathy. But we will have to make a lot more noise to get the support we need. If you are outside of Nashville, please consider doing the same. Let people know what is happening, and ask for help.
Like so many of us, I remember well the Nashville tornado of 1998, and I also remember the way locals rallied together and all did our part to rebuild the city. I have no doubt whatsoever that the same will happen again. You don't always realize how much a certain place means to you until you see it harmed. You don't know what great loss is like until your own friends and family are touched by it. And you don't realize how strong and how unified those same friends, family members, co-workers, acquaintances and strangers can be until faced with a crisis.
Nashville, you are my home, where my heart remains, and you will not be changed by this catastrophe - if anything you will come out stronger and better than ever.
And here's the email I sent out:
Hi All,
My husband Ben Reeves and I both call the city of Nashville, Tennessee, our home. Probably some of your favorite music, country or not, came out of Nashville!
Record flooding hit Middle Tennessee this weekend, and yesterday President Obama declared half of Tennessee's counties to be in a state of disaster. The massive extent of the damage has been overshadowed by other news, but this video shows what we are up against: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/36927001#36927001. Find more up-to-date info at www.tennessean.com.
Thousands in Nashville, including some near and dear to Ben and I, have lost homes, businesses, belongings and even loved ones. Never dreaming of a disaster of this magnitude, most do NOT have flood insurance and have a very long road to recovery.
Almost 30 people have lost their lives, shelters are filled to capacity, power is out in downtown and water supply is low. Much of historic downtown and entire neighborhoods are still under ten feet or more of water. Damage is estimated to top $1 billion, and much of the destruction is still being revealed as waters recede.
It is hard to understand the impact of a natural disaster until it strikes home. It will take money and time to restore Middle Tennessee and its people, but with help, this resilient region will bounce back!
If you would like to help Tennesseans affected by the flood by making a financial contribution, we would be very grateful. We would be equally grateful for help in spreading the word about what is happening in our fabulous hometown. Below are some organizations accepting donations:
American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
Hands on Nashville (an excellent organization): www.hon.org
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: http://www.cfmt.org/floodrelief/
Many thanks for taking a moment to read this, I know your time and resources are valuable!!
Jennifer
