By John C. Fitts
It took all week to clean up the debris, working a few hours a day in what became a very hot sun. With some help from the family, we had taken most of the fragile garden pots and other decor inside where it filled two rooms. There were many large, expensive items that took more than one person. Anything that didn’t look fragile or in bloom we left outside. There was nothing blooming in the pots under the pergola.
A week after the storm, we were finishing up the cleaning the debris in the back yard. With backs aching and sweat pouring down, Patty took me over to some pots and plants that were left outside. None were damaged, but one she held up to me captured our attention. It was an orchid, in full bloom. It was left outside because it was not blooming. Not only had it survived the heavy winds and rain and darkness, but it was in full bloom with beautiful blossoms.
Patty and I looked at it in wonder and thought of the myriads of acts of kindness during the storm. We had seen a video or cars snd trucks all pulling boats on the way to Houston to help with flood victims. On a local internet site scores of people were offering all kinds of help. One man who owned a truck offered to come pick up trash for free. There were others who said if you are hungry come by and eat. Another who had power offered to be a charging station for any phones, iPads, or other devices.
It was amazing to see all the love and caring during this time of heartbreak and tragedy for so many. We found that people, like the orchid, also blossom during times of crisis.