We depend too much on ourselves when that isn't enough

Many of our neighbors and friends have been dealt blows by the storms that crossed the United States the last of April. We have fences out in places; but those who have an empty chair at their tables are the ones we are praying for, and then we will move on. Fences are repairable, cattle are usually found downstream and maybe some of the other stuff is found and usable. I have not located the paint pony, but I know he is smart enough to go to higher ground when he had a chance.

My good friend whose beautiful home was on the huge lake was killed when he tried to move a tree that had fallen on the patio. The tree twisted, snapped and fell on him. He never came to and that will leave a broken heart that will forever be hurt. He left a family that needed him. He was a God fearing man who was a leader in his church and a blessing to his area.

The highways are sure in bad shape. Some south of us were gutted. The whole thing just washed out, leaving a huge hole, deep and wide. I believe there were two like that. And, just imagine trying to drive through the water into that. I heard that some places had vehicles moving along in the water, parked and yet moved by the swiftness of the flow.

We, the entire family, are safe. Old Dog came into the well house to sleep on a soft pile of old blankets and Snip was stalled in the dry. All the grands were fascinated by the sheer volume of water falling. Some of the older ones can remember the creeks getting high, but they don't remember the big ones. The paint pony was in the creek pasture and then he was gone. I suspect he will show up at a barn begging for grain at any minute.

We have had a bad spell of weather and natural disasters of late. The terrible fires out west and then the flooding have once again shown us that man is not as much in control of his world as he would like to believe. Tornadoes form and hit before the weather watchers have time to warn of the danger, killing and maiming folks and their worlds. Wildfire wiped out homes and killed people without any way to stop it. Cattle and other animals were killed -- not any way to save them.

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, we depend on ourselves, technology and the ability to do whatever we need to do. Sorry, folks, that just isn't a match for the things that nature can bring on and work us over with. We can't live in a bubble, outsmart rain clouds to make them plug up or unplug when we need the water. We have only our brain, which is pretty small in comparison to some of the troubles we face, to help us stay safe. We have been told, I mean I am pretty sure almost every person in this part of the world has been exposed to the word, that our prayers are the only thing that will really help. So, if you haven't yet, start now and pray for all the folks who have been hurt in any manner!

My rubber boots got left in the bed of my pickup, right side up! Well, heck!

Bill is the pen name of the Gravette area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author

Editorial on 05/10/2017