September 7, 2005
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(The second in my current series of postings ; relating stories of kindness, compassion,
hope and heroism in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina)
The American small town, once iconized as the haven of kindness, togetherness, and “neighborly” support and nurture, has seen its image somewhat weakened in recent years. Amid political “red vs. blue” state discussion, small town America has been, at times, characterized as the bastion of intellectually repressed, backward thinking individuals. Even the image of closeness has been replaced with one of insular, suspicious (of “outsiders”), meddling people.
Aunt Bea and Sheriff Andy seem to have gone the way of Burma Shave signs.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the value of the small community and its image are being resurrected.
Monticello, Arkansas, truly a SMALL community (less than 10,000 residents), lies on the fringe of the area affected by the storm. Stories of the support this town’s members have given evacuees have begun to filter out, and they revive the image of the kind, supportive, close family of the traditional “small town”. Malachi Ohrabka relates his family’s experience there:
Subject: My Hurricane Story — evacuation
Story: My family and I had to run to a small town in Monticello, Arkansas, where all the locals have been so unbelievably good to us. My kids, being three and five, are taking this trip as a vacation instead of a disaster. They believe it’s a modern day Mayberry mixed with Disney world. All the local churches and businesses have been very giving. My father-in-law was able to get his medicine “free”, and myself, thanks to Mr. Barnes, a “free” but very nice haircut. All I can say; in a time of need this little town of 9,000 stepped up and filled all the doubts of if they are STILL VERY DECENT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD AND THE ANSWER IS DEFINITELY yes. Monticello, thank you for being a true home away from home. God bless you and thank you so much.. your new friend Malachi (Email: moppo75@yahoo.com. from Nola.com blog site, Aug 31)
On the same site, Theresa Cormier reports her experience with Monticello:
Subject: My Hurricane Story — Monticello, Arkansas Hospitality
Story: My family and I are evacuees from Marrero, Louisiana. The support that we had from (the) Monticello, Arkansas Community is unbelieveable. The whole community has opened up their hearts to not only us, but to all the the evacuees. Dad’s Place has provided us with use of the internet, free of charge. First Assembly of God Church, along with all of the churches have pooled together to offer free meals, clothing, shelter, games for the children and any other assistance that they can provide. Every place that we go, people ask if there is anything that they can assistant (sic) us with. It is amazing how this whole community has open(ed) up its heart and support to all of the evacuees. My family and I are forever grateful. Someday soon, I hope to be able to repay some of this kindness. Monticello will be in my prayers as well as in my heart for all their kindess and support that they showed to all of us. (Email: cormier798@aol.com , Aug 31)
Apparently Mayberry, in the best sense, is alive and well.
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Blessed is he who considers the poor. The Lord will deliver him in times of trouble.
Psalm 41:1
(thanks to Breath_of_Dawn for the scripture ref.)
Comments (7)
jimmish: Thanks for asking about Josiah. The last time we heard from him he was in Kuwait, that was this last Tuesday morning, he phoned at 5:30am our time. I hear they usually keep the guys in Kuwait for a while, perhaps 2 weeks before they move them onto Iraq.
I was part of a group that was trying to organize a trip down to Mississippi this weekend. We ran into some hinderances, so we won’t make it this weekend, perhaps it will happen for us in a couple of weeks. We are told by others who went down from here that you have to be able to transport your own gasoline in the area as there is none to be purchased within 2 hundred miles of the devastation. I’m glad that there are groups, like the military, who are equipped to respond to situations like the one in New Orleans and the rest of the gulf coast.
Kindness isn’t dead afterall. Praise God. He is so good.
Thank you for sharing you “Wacky Cake” story. Gabby says Mommy need to laugh more often, and she’s right. Your story made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the laugh. I hope to have the next chapter out fairly soon. All the sudden, it seems to be writing itself, and that’s just fine by me. You’ll know how the conversation with Santa turns out soon enough. Thank you for your patience and your encouragement. I appreciate both.
Be God’s.
~ april
Thanks for sharring the stories. Accounts of real world kindness are often hard to come by.
Thank you for your insightful comments.
What beautiful silver linings you’ve discovered behind the clouds. Thanks for sharing
Breath of dawn says it all (as usual)
(P.S) Like your new colour scheme
Hi Jim, thanks for sharing all these good stories. We all need to hear them about now. I liked the photos your had up for a while, but it’s a lot easier to read your posts without them.
His Peace2u –