As I left a meeting among community leaders on Sunday morning, prior to Hurricane Debby’s arrival in Madison, I was struck with a great feeling of pride in my community. There was a sense of confidence in our ability to meet the forthcoming challenge. It was not a feeling of overconfidence or arrogance, but a feeling of confidence that comes from having been tested and knowing the task ahead of us; and the certainty that we are up to the task.
Now that Hurricane Debby has made her appearance and her slow, soggy exit from Madison, the task of cleaning up is now upon us. Our friends and neighbors wasted no time starting on this task. This is when communities like ours truly shine. Folks show up with a chain saw to help clear the driveway of a neighbor. A call for help goes out, and within minutes, a mom says, “My son will be right there to help.” I have no doubt the work will get done, because I have no doubt about the people doing it.