A sigh of relief because the first rental was wildly successful, and another was on the calendar. Daybook Cottage was dressed in her best and ready for friends. While transforming her, strangers had become friends and she was nearly unrecognizable to the neighbors. And then came Idalia.
Daybook Cottage
Purchased in 2022, Daybook Cottage seemed like an impossible dream. Man, she was in rough shape and some just shook their heads as we shared our dreams. I had admired her from afar for years. I don’t mean just a few years. Since the day I started coming to 63rd Street, I have thought she was the best-looking girl on the block. She has had such a fun life and honestly, I cannot believe I have the keys to the front door.
And Then Came Idalia
But not so fast. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Reality can hit fast and without notice. The listing for our short-term rental was live and we thought we could breathe… at least for a minute. I’m often out of touch with the world and local news. I find it to be an unhealthy stressor especially when it comes to the weather. The one guy I listened to began showing up on my YouTube notifications. Ryan Hall was continually bringing Idalia to my attention. At first, I ignored it. It was probably just another attention-seeking storm name that would pass in a few days leaving no trace or imprint. And then came Idalia and she became a significant name in our Georgia home. She was headed straight for the waters we have grown to love and the home of Daybook Cottage.
The People
A little background info will help. When you live near a coastline, you learn new details about a way of life that others have no interest in knowing. I’ve learned that rain showers are not small events; just find a screened porch and let them pass. Insects love the coast as much as I do, and they are in charge of what time you go outside. Water is respected on an entirely different level and don’t assume you can drink it when it comes out of the faucet. Insurance is outrageously expensive but should not be optional. My favorite lesson has been the people. They are tough, innovative, and true to themselves and their surroundings. We often say we are living in a novel that we should consider writing. I could try all day and never create the charismas we find just off 40A. Once you’ve tasted life on the coast, you cannot give it up.
No Stopping
The phone started ringing. Texts were coming in faster than we could keep up with. In a matter of 12 hours, we went from skeptical to frantic. Four hundred miles is a long way to be from a place when water is coming in surges. People had to leave the area, and homes were boarded and evacuated, but some of the “lifers” stayed put; they were ready to fight. Mandatory evacuations were issued and that meant we wouldn’t get close to the area no matter what we tried. Wind and rain came fast and hard through the night. In no time, the river took over the streets and flowed freely across the town. Don’t be fooled… there is no stopping water once it starts flowing.
The Unknown
Not knowing what we would find, we began to pack the truck. Generators, chainsaws, water, gas grills, food, and tools of all kinds filled the truck, leaving just enough room for us. As soon as the streets were reopened, we buckled our seatbelts and headed south. It was a quiet ride, stopping only to buy more floor fans and gas. When the unknown is all you know, you prepare for anything.
I Could Not Speak
Seven hours later, I could not get the truck door open fast enough. Piles of carpet were already in nearly every front yard. Appliances were being hauled out and overworked tow trucks streamed down 63rd Street. The river had risen to unspeakable heights. Most experienced 3-4 feet in their homes and some were “lucky” to have 3-4 inches. Walking into these homes, I was reminded that depth doesn’t matter, water has power!
I could see the waterline along our cottage fence and exterior walls. It was about 14 inches high, which put the water at the top of our crawlspace. The door opened slowly, and I breathed in deeply. I knew that smell. It was familiar and comforting. Daybook Cottage smelled like Daybook Cottage. She had not been flooded. I could not speak. I dropped my arms and prayed. For whatever reason, our home was spared.
Lost
And then came Idalia. The sun came up the next morning and we gathered our thoughts, laced up our boots (literally), and dropped the tailgate. Five days would soon become one long day. The river had blended with rain and sewage. It came inside homes as an unwelcome intruder. Belongings were dragged to the curb with hand trucks and wheelbarrows. Some lost a few things, but most lost everything that was below 3 feet. Yankeetown looked like a war zone.
And Then Came Idalia
I’d find myself standing and staring. Not at anything, I was just staring into space. To see person after person piling their life on the curbs was more than I was prepared for. My house had been spared and I was emotional. Guilt swallowed me often, usually when I least expected it. As I write this for you, I still get a lump in my throat. Life was coming along in Yankeetown. So many homes were recently revitalized, businesses were flourishing and beginning new ventures, and life here was as unique as one could ever hope to find. And then came Idalia.
Living
On day three, we began to ride the streets. Once we dried the engine and found that it would crank, we rode the motorcycle through town. The anticipated posture was to keep your head down. But that’s not what we found. People were walking around lending a hand wherever needed and groups were gathered to make plans for meals and shelter. This was true humanity in action, people helping people no matter their differences. Churches were the first to respond. God’s people are the ones who act when neighbors are hurting. They are not waiting on permission, rules, laws, or funding. This was a huge disaster that destroyed much, but each night I realized how alive my soul had become. This is what living is about. Loving one another, embracing differences, and sharing what we have.
Dawn To Night
That week, John and I worked from dawn to night. Our nightly showers were restorative. I’ve never used that word in association with a shower, but it tells the truth. Our bodies were tired, and our souls were exhausted. We both commented each morning that we doubted we moved all night. By day three, my feet dreaded being put back in my shoes.
Survived
Funny how the unexpected has a way of putting things in perspective. The people in this river town are stronger than any I have met…anywhere. Weather and nature are respected here, and great balance is found. One will not experience entitlement and selfishness in this town. What may appear to be weird, rough, or untouchable is resilient and hard-working. Life is not easy in this river town, but it is easy to find a life that is worth living. And then came Idalia, and the people survived.
Stay Curious,
2 Responses
This brought me to tears – very emotional account of the after effect of hurricane Idalia. So glad your Daybook Cottage was spared but my heart goes out to those who lost so much.
I was a hard thing to be a part of but glad we were able to help where we could. You know I’ve always respected (feared🫣) weather! Things are looking up though🥰