This time of year is one of the most hectic for our family. In addition to my children’s normal activities, we also add the carnival to our packed schedule. 

As crazy as it gets, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. 

While I am trying to focus on our normal day-to-day schedule, I was hit with a sobering realization. My life is back to its normal schedule after Imelda, but how many people are still trying to piece things back together.

I had the honor of being able to lend a hand with several events focused on supporting our community members who were affected by the flooding. 

I say honor because I truly feel like it is an honor to be able to serve each other. 

These events, along with the upcoming Day of Caring coordinated by United Way of Orange County got me thinking further on the topic. 

Members of our city and county have been doing an amazing job focusing on the appearance of our county and maintaining a positive outlook for our future. You can feel a difference in the attitudes and perceptions of people as these changes are beginning to take root.

I often write in this article about how the residents of our area make our home great. This is never more evident than in the aftermath of a natural disaster. 

The love and kindness I saw in the past several weeks was amazing. Whether it was someone helping gut a house, provide a warm meal, delivering supplies, or providing a shoulder to cry on-the help given helped make a terrible situation slightly more bearable.

I brought two of my boys to help hand out meals at Turning Point Church in Vidor. 

I did this to help them learn the importance of serving each other. 

We have been so fortunate to be spared from damage from the storms in recent years. That blessing should be used to help others. I believe it is important for them to learn this from an early age so that when they are adults they feel the responsibility and desire to support those who need it.

I urge everyone to pause this week and think of someone affected by the storm and then looks for ways to serve them. 

Whether you provide a meal, help with rebuilding, or whatever other need they have, the gesture will mean the world to them. 

Kindness doesn’t cost a thing and can mean the world to someone else.

 

Chris Kovatch is a resident of Orange County. You can reach him at news@orangeleader.com