Looking Past the High Water
It seems that Mother Nature has decided to remind us just who’s boss
here on the big blue ball. This past winter was one of the
toughest one’s I can remember in the past 20 years and this spring has
been cool and wet with violent storms that have wrecked havoc in the
lives of many Iowans. Currently most of us are dealing with the task of
how to protect our belongings from the upcoming storms that could
possible drop more water on an already saturated ground leading to more
sand bagging and more shop vacs in the basements as we all sit and hope
for a drying out period. Meanwhile down in the southern United
States, residence are hot and dry and wishing for just a small amount
from the fountain that seems to be flooding Iowa. Let’s not forget
the $4.00 per gallon gas we’re paying for that’s making us change our
driving habits and rushing to our local car dealers in search of fuel
efficient transportation.
So, what are Iowans to do about all the gloom and doom? Well,
first we will deal with the immediate problems of drying out, rebuilding
for those who are left homeless by destructive storms, replant crops
that were taken out by flood waters and then we should step back for a
moment and remember that through all this, we are still very lucky.
We’re lucky to live in a country where neighbors stand up and help
others in time of need. Lucky to have brave young men and women
who volunteer to serve in our military, work in public service such as
police and fire departments to protect our freedoms that we sometime
take for granted. Lucky because when the floods subside and the
weather gives us a chance to rebuild and get back outdoors we will still
have all that Iowa offers so that for just a little while we can enjoy
the thrill of setting the hook on a big fish or sitting at a campfire
with family and friends to celebrate the moments that we sometimes take
for granted.
Yes, Mother Nature we know and respect your power, but once we’re
through drying out we will be back out to enjoy the great outdoor
opportunities available to us right here in our backyard Iowa.
Rob Welch