overwhelmed
As I’ve watched our state, our hometowns, our adopted hometowns, our friends be overwhelmed by floodwaters, I have been overwhelmed by the goodness of Iowans. Most people from other places around the country probably don’t realize it, but Iowa is truly a remarkable place, populated by remarkable people.
Even as we sank into despair amid the rising floodwaters, I was impressed and inspired by Iowans. People here have shown the world what it means to be a part of a community, how to help others even if you’re in desparate need of help yourself. This is a great place to live. I’m proud of Iowans, and proud to be an Iowan.
Over the last couple of weeks, thousands and thousands of people answered calls for help with sandbagging efforts, and subsequently with gifts to recovery efforts. It has been amazing to see so many people come out to give their time and energy to help in the efforts to keep the flood at bay. While there were many disappointments where dikes and levees failed, there were also many victories. And even if the sandbagging didn’t always work, it still brought out the best in people.
Again, I’m proud of Iowans for answering the call to help each other and to help ourselves. I’m proud of our resilience. I’m proud of the fact that no one appeared on national television pleading for help and asking why no one was coming to save us. Instead, when we needed help, we found it from our neighbors, our friends, our fellow victims–we found help from each other and in ourselves.
So thanks, Iowa. You’ve shown the world how great our state is and how great our people are. I’m anxious to see how we continue to rally around each other and emerge from this devastation an even stronger, better community than before.
hear hear!
Comment by Jessica — June 20, 2008 @ 7:56 am
As a resident of Cedar Rapids I have a deep understanding of the devastation that has ravaged our pretty city on the Cedar. However, this recent tragedy has strengthened my belief that so many of the greater angels among us reside right here in our beautiful land between two rivers. We have so much to be thankful for, and to be proud of by simply being Iowans. I recall the crashing of the DC 10 at Sioux City and the utter astonishment from members of my Air Force squadron at the outpouring of medical professionals and other Iowans donating their time and expertise to the victims. I explained to my squadron mates that it was not uncommon for neighbors to combine the fields for a neighbor in need and expect nothing in return except lunch being provided. They simply could not fathom that level of charity or community support. To them it was unimaginable, to me it was simply part of being an Iowan. Perhaps the legendary Hawkeye Coach, and once very proud Texan, Hayden Fry said it best in his tear filled retirement speech, “I’ll always be a Hawk!” Over his career here he had gained a great understanding and appreciation of the Iowa spirit and pride. That pride, community spirit, and willingness to pitch in and lend a hand is showing right now. Thank God we are from Iowa!
Comment by Todd — July 9, 2008 @ 6:31 am