a fight against the Red River

Today is a day of rest for many in the Fargo-Moorhead region, but we all are resting carefully knowing that our battle against the Mighty Red is no where near over. We watch as they tell us the level is at 40.5 and will rise again on Sunday. We know that this normally 14 foot river isn't done with us yet.

This week we've witnessed this community show their hearts filled with selflessness. We all pull together, run shifts 24 hours a day, work as long as we possibly can with fuel from others with their donations of food, water and extra shelter. The days have brought strangers together, singing in a line while tossing sandbags down in blizzard conditions and snow up to our ankles. At one point I was between prisoners and some Amish men, an interesting mix. Nevertheless, we all joined to battle. We walked into backyards and stood in awe of what these homeowners were facing and not a single one of us wanted to leave them to fight it on their own. We all wanted to stay until the city would force us out...kicking and screaming.

With all of this the emotions in this city, in each resident have been amazing. You hear it, the attitudes are all positive. But trust in me, until you witness it, stand beside those with it, you will never be moved to tears by it. Tears of joy, amazement, appreciation. But, we all know those aren't the only tears we have here this week. We have tears because we are truly scared. You hear the first "mandatory evacuation" over the radio and it breaks you. It breaks you knowing you may not beat this river, it breaks you to think those strangers that are now your family are losing this battle. They are our family, we all worked tirelessly to make sure they could stay in their home...not just their house, but stay comforted in their home. Yet, when one individual has a slight crack in their confidence, there is another person beside them, holding onto their confidence only to give it back to them through a hug or a simple smile. It isn't easy, nor is it over, but we will carry one another through this. We will be strong and weak, but never at the same time.

Thank you for all the prayers, extra help and concern for our community. We hold a special place here for all of it. And this week, I personally, as an army wife, got a slight glimpse of what saving something feels like. I am here fighting to save our city, while my husband fights to save our country. Never could this be on the same scale, but I feel blessed to have a piece of what he sees every day.

I will be sure to post some photos of the Red and Drain 27. I am not currently in my place, as Drain 27 is right next to me. But, when I get back to Internet again I will be sure to send more updates.

Just know that this week has been a rollercoaster, but I wouldn't imagine going through this rollercoaster in any other community. I love this city, I love the Midwest.

tata for now,

Annie