By: Bill Coltzer Jr., AIA, President
ALTHOUGH THE RESPONSE FROM THE “FIRST RESPONDERS” WAS IMPRESSIVE, THE RESPONSE BY THE VOLUNTEERS WAS UNLIKE ANYTHING THE WORLD HAD SEEN. WHAT DID THE WORLD SEE? THEY SAW ONE TEAM WORKING SIDE BY SIDE FOR THE SAME GOAL.
We have all seen the videos and heard the stories of how folks of varying points of view set their differences aside to help one another during, and after, “Harvey.” At a time when it really mattered (with cameras rolling), the world saw the best of Texas; no one needed to tell the Texans (or the Cajuns!) that all lives are precious and deserve preservation. Although the response by the traditional “first responders” was impressive, the response by the volunteers was unlike anything the world had seen. What did the world see? They saw one team working side by side (not mini teams of conservatives, liberals, Christians, or Muslims) for the same goal.
Our Z6 crew was blessed to have had ring side (like bull’s eye in the ring, unedited, real world) seats to the event that was “Harvey” and I would not trade it for anything. The last month has reminded me of the fragility of life and how one’s quality of life can change in the blink of an eye – regardless of social stature…or insurance. I saw folks cry that I am pretty sure were out of practice; some overwhelmed by loss and some overwhelmed by support, sometimes both. It was truly a disaster, but the response by our coastal communities was amazing; in a time where negativity is so widespread, it was also uplifting.
Since “Harvey,” we have had “Irma,” “Jose,” and “Maria.” Each storm has had us praying for some region to survive the storm and encouraging that region to be #strong. Personally, I hope I can move forward, without another disaster, appreciating my quality of life and the contributions of others, even those I may not want to have a beer with. Maybe now we have all been properly reminded that the world needs our prayers, not just Texas, and that disasters are horrible ways to find out that we really can work together.
#holdmybeerwhileweworktogethertostraigthenthisdamnworldout
All clear from here.
Billy.
- IMG 0811 e1514499209360
- 21192535 1517711794964013 3225768161264782402 n
- 21150363 1517711788297347 8060885771688432325 n
- IMG 0812
- IMG 0813 e1514499192578
- IMG 0814 e1514499239620
- IMG 0815
- IMG 0816 e1514499171355
- IMG 0817