A Love Letter to Texas from Charleston, SC
By Mark A. Leon
This is a time that tests the hearts and souls of humanity. Sinking in the tears of a tragedy, memories floating away right before your eyes, families without homes, loved ones lost and at this very moment, no answers to your prayers. It is a time when the human condition kicks in and reminds us that we are blessed with the ability to overcome.
It is in these trying times, we could turn our heads and look the other way, but humanity doesn’t let us play that way.
In brotherhood and sisterhood, we stand before you Texas.
Charleston Strong sends its Love to Texas until the last home is rebuilt.
As Hugo and Matthew linger behind us, we know we can never forget. They are constant reminders that material value can be lost in a moment, but the love of family and friends and their unconditional support is something that never wavers.
We have seen images and watched the stories of this past weekend, but they don’t even tap into the emotional and physical trauma you are facing right now.
Many without homes
Lost power
Unable to find food and shelter
Lives built from scratch, now but a fleeting memory.
The effects of Hurricane Harvey will remain for the rest of your lives. That fact is true. So too knowledge that the kindness of others will help you in rebuilding your lives.
For some, it will be days, weeks, or even months before that emptiness in the pit of your stomach fades awa
We know, we relate and we care.
Remember this: Strength is found in the heart. It is in the power you find in the worst of times. It is the generous hand of a stranger. It is the financial support from strangers hundreds of miles away. It is knowing that at the exact moment you feel like giving up, so many will come to your rescue.
That is the poetry of tragedy.
We never want to go through this type of event. We hope for the best and expect the worst. For so many, this weekend was the worst.
For those that lost, we mourn with you.
For those looking for answers, we pray with you.
For those in need of support, we stand with you.
To all the people in Texas who have and continue to suffer from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, we stand strongly with you here in Charleston as you take the first steps toward recovery.
Charleston Daily
Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.
Your words are poetry in motion for the soul. From a native Charlestonian, thank you.
As a former resident of Charleston now living in Louisiana reading this was so nice to see. The second round of Harvey now coming within 50-60 miles from us. We are now preparing for upwards of 12″ of rain. We sure hope that’s all along with winds of 50+ mph. Please while at it say a prayer or 2 for us as well. ❤️❤️
Thank you for your kind thoughts. As I sit here writing, it has rained all day without stopping. I am one of the lucky ones so far. I have a dry house, electricity, fresh water, and food to eat. That may change tomorrow but for now we are fine. When we get out again, we are going to help my brother-in-law and his wife who lost their home and both cars. I have lived in TX for over 40 years and I really appreciate my home town.
From an original Charleston girl.
Great letter. I hope many of the people effected by the hurricane will get to read it. I’m from Charleston and stayed during Hugo. I know how this storm will change lives. I am praying daily for those effected by the hurricane.
Your letter was beautifully written. My husband and I lived in Goose Creek for 30 yrs. We now reside in Texas. Have been here for 16 yrs. We survived Hurricane Hugo. I remember how all the neighbors got together and helped one another. We are safe. We were not in the flooded areas. Thank you Charleston for your loving words.
Many thanks from Houston for your beautiful words and kind heart. Your words strengthen what is already our tremendous resolve. Texans never forget a kindness. Thank you so much.
We here in Charleston and all surrounding areas are lifting up Texas and Louisiana all of whom is effected by Hurricane Harvey we lift you up in prayer. May God send the help that you need.
I have always heard everything is bigger in Texas. Well, here is a big PRAYER for Texas from Charleston,SC Be kind to one another during this tragedy.
I sit here in Charleston and my heart aches for you. I was here for Hugo so I can relate. It will be weeks and months before a sense on normalcy. But it will! We prayer for you, we stand with you, we are here for you. Stay safe and may God bless! #Charleston Strong
My heart is heavy as I see the effects of Hurricane Harvey. At times like these, it makes one really reflect what is important in life. Human relationships is the most important thing. Everything else is just “stuff”. I am praying for you all tonight, and I will be down to help really soon-and I am looking forward to speaking to you face to face.