Out of the worst sometimes comes the best. That has been something that’s been true since Biblical times.
And we’re seeing it happening this week in Florida. Amazing stories of rescues and courageous efforts taken to save people trapped in their flooded-out homes, stranded on top of submerged cars and patients in nursing homes frantically moved or barricaded in safe rooms to protect them from harm. Even stories about firefighters and police officers wading through deep water to save pet dogs and cats.
And it’s not only been the first responders who have responded. It’s been private citizens, neighbors, even reporters and photographers who did not just stand by and watch but put themselves at risk to reach a woman and her children being overcome by rushing flood waters.
And all of these heroics and acts of concern and compassion for others have all been on TV and on social media for all of us to see for ourselves. And then there are the stories this week of firefighters and just citizens in other states heading to Florida to help in the immediate needs and the beginning of a recovery process that will take a long time. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday morning, "There's been really a Herculean effort."
And to think it could have been worse, had not as many people who did evacuate from some of the most dangerous areas before the storm hit.
Yet we also have seen and heard the stories of too many Floridians who took this storm too lightly, who said they didn’t think it was going to be that bad or wouldn’t believe that it would be this bad and that they’ve been through them before. May they think about that the next time.
But the memories of Hurricane Ian will fortunately include the acts of bravery of so many people who put their own lives at risk to save others.
READ AND SEE 5 Heroes Who Battled Wind, Floods and Rain to Save Lives
(Photo Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: AFP via Getty Images