Resilience

Lee County, Alabama suffered a catastrophic tornado earlier this year. A 30-minute drive from Tuskegee, resting on a pile of particle wood, outside a structure that will eventually become a home, I am in awe. Here is a family of four who literally lost everything. Nothing remains of their former life other than the cement steps that lead to their front door. And because there is no way for this family to prove the house was theirs, there is no insurance, no FEMA, no nothing. They only have their own hard work and assists from volunteers.

But here’s the thing. They smile at the thought of the sunrise that they will see tomorrow. They have nothing but gratitude for the strangers who show up with tools and strong backs. They are sure they will get through this. With the devastation so tangible, there is nothing but joy. Their resilience is breathtaking.

The attitude and love they pay forward is humanity at its finest, and I was fortunate enough to witness it. Humble and grateful.