I'm sitting here watching the news with endless criticism, what-ifs, nightmare stories, etc. of Snowmagedon 2014 that hit greater Atlanta. There was a time I was frustrated too. It took 24 hours for me to get from work to my home from the moment I left the parking lot at my downtown office to walking in the door at my house to the relief of my stranded dog. This included an attempt to drive up I-75 in my car for 8.5 hours, an over-night sleep-over at my brother and sister-in-laws house and a 3-mile slippery drive from their house to mine.
But as I also watch the news, and think back on my adventure, I'm focusing more on the stories of average people turning heroes in this adversity. Here are a few of my heroes I want to highlight.
-I have to first start with one of my mentors, Susan Norris. I was at her house Monday night and she encouraged me to fill up my gas tank before going home. Thanks to her advice, I had a full tank of gas on my journey - and what as even cooler blessing was I still have 3/4 of a tank of gas after 8.5 hours on the road.
-My boss Brittany Burnett: she encouraged all of us to head home early hoping to get us home safe before things got bad. But when several of us got stuck and spent hours getting home, she stayed constantly engaged until every one of us made it home.
-The numerous friends and family that called me throughout my 8.5 hour trek to offer encouragement, tips for driving in the ice and just making sure I was ok. Every time I thought I was going to lose it from frustration, my phone would ring and it would be someone I love calling. While I was alone in my car, I felt the love and prayers sending my way. I even had one person remind me I have survived worse - thanks for putting things in perspective. I also talked to people as far south as my aunt in south Georgia and my friend Jason Florida (I probably could have driven to see them in the time it took me to get home, but I digress).
-My friend Elise, her sister Katelyn and my neighbors: When I called to say I may be late getting home (not knowing how long the ordeal would be) Elise and Katelyn went over to check on my dog Isabelle for me. And when I finally realized I wasn't going to make it home that night, they relayed a message to my neighbor who took care of Isabelle through the night and committed to doing it until I got home safely, no matter how long that was. Such a relief to know my puppy was ok.
-My big brother Franklin. After walking home 10 miles from his office, he offered numerous times to walk and meet me wherever I was if I wanted to ditch my car. I eventually made it to their exit, but got stuck on ice going up a hill about a mile from the house. One quick phone call later, he was out in the snow to come and rescue me. He and a co-worker, who was also stranded out their house, pushed my car off the ice and told me to just keep driving to their house to avoid getting stuck again. When they didn't show up right behind me, I got a little worried. They finally did show up, after helping at least one more car up that same hill. I had to admit to my parents that Franklin was "being the bestest."
-My sister-in-law Jessica: She played a great host for the night - from providing me warm and comfy clothes to wear to cooking a great dinner and breakfast. She also constantly checked on me the night before and as I drove the 3 miles home from her house.
-My nephew Tripp: An exciting child can make any bad situation good. While it was early, it warmed my heart to be woken up my my 2-year-old nephew saying "A'hey, get up, time to play." He was so excited I was at his house to play and we talked about playing "ou'side, all day." I'm just sorry I left to make the trek home while he was napping. Apparently he woke up pretty upset.
-My mom, her staff and the rest of the Cobb School employees: Say what you want, but these people were heroes last night. They didn't stop until every child made it home safely. I know it wasn't the best scenario for kids to get stuck on buses or have to spend the night at school - but I'm thankful we have Cobb School employees who are willing to do whatever it takes to get kids home. And while my mom was trying to get everyone else's babies home yesterday and today, know that she was stressed out that one of her own babies (me) was stuck on the roads too. She had empathy for all those concerned parents cause she was one herself.
I know I'm probably forgetting some people. Every time I checked Facebook I saw new heroes offering their homes, food, and 4-wheel drive cars to people in need. It was amazing to see the community come together.
So while Snowmagedon 2014 was not the best situation - I hope people will remember more how many people because heroes to help those in need.
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