Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

Waking up on Tuesday morning it was nice to see the sun. The devastation, not so nice. Yet, even during the rain, neighbors were calling and checking on each other, expressing concern and offering assistance. Some places were relatively unscathed, but others suffered severe destruction. Those below the bridge on Dublin Rd were hard hit. Perhaps at a later time, their stories will be told. Anyone with equipment and two hands rushed to restore the bridge and help clean up the Echo Lake Inn, the church, plus the flooded homes. A spirit of cooperative prevailed and the bridge is passable with caution. Hopefully gawkers will not see that as an invitation to drive through, however. Please heed this plea.

Our pristine Camp Plymouth State Park flooded from several directions and renters in the cottages needed to be evacuated. Traveling north on Rte 100 toward the Union today, water is still running across the road in a couple of places, with crews hard at work. Many driveways have disappeared and even more basements have been flooded.

Some people may find it demoralizing, but just like after “Irene”, folks are pulling together and compassionately meeting needs. I don’t have a list of resources yet, but hopefully can pull one together with help. In the meantime, praying the forecasted rain will not cause any additional damage. Holding all of you in my heart.