Old Mt. Woman: Wow, You just reminded me of the flood of 1965 – in St. Paul. My parents had a small 40-seat diner near the river.
It was spring break and I was looking forward to doing nothing. However, my parents had me working 40+ hours that week to help feed the flood relief workers. Since this was a family owned restaurant, I worked long days, and with no pay but tips. I just did what needed to be done. It gets to be teamwork and you learn to anticipate. I had no idea what was going on, since I was only 15. I was shocked when I finally saw how the normally calm river had swollen.
I remember the principal of our small church school asking if anyone had helped with the flood relief. I did not want to stand up because the restaurant was a “job” and I was “not volunteering.” But, since I did not get paid, and working was not planned, my friends made me stand up.
I was safe and dry. The flood workers then, and now, are not. They put themselves on the line to help others.
Thank you to all of you who have helped and are helping. Best wishes to those of you caught in flooding situations. May you all be safe.