The last week and a half for Augusta, Georgia has been a very dramatic experience to say the least. More is sure to follow.
On the morning of Sept. 27, 2024, Augusta and the citizens of the entire CSRA awakened to devastation, destruction and death. A not so pleasant lady by the name of Helene had paid an overnight visit.
To look out of the windows was a shock. To go stand in the yards was even more so. At least most were able to do so; others had died in their beds as they slept.
Helene spared not a single person. To her, it made no difference. Age, gender, race, religion, rich, poor or political preference, all were the recipients of her Rath.
Not since the ice storm in 2014, that also reaked havic on the CSRA , have we as a people come together for a greater good than just ourselves.
This is not a time for finger pointing and placing blame. There will be time for that later.
I, as a citizen, was happy to see our Augusta government leaders come together for the good of all, not just a chosen few. How about continuing this style in the future.
It was humbling to see ALL of the mayor’s, chairman’s and commissioner’s from all corners of the CSRA come together and do to the best of each one’s ability what they were elected to do.
The first responders did an incredible job getting out and attempting to get a grip on an almost incomprehensible problem.
The local National Guard mobilized immediately and started going through the neighborhoods closest to and around Lake Olmstead. Nearly 150 troops were housed at the American Legion Post 63 on Milledge Road.
It was heart warming to see neighbors coming to the aid of fellow neighbors. Going door to door, seeing if people were okay and giving aid where needed.
It was nice to see people banding together and clearing streets and roadways so essential travel could take place.
While most now have electricity restored, many don’t. Some areas were hit harder than others. Make no mistake, all suffered from the largest and most destructive storm in recored history for our area, according to many notable meteorologist.
Disasters such as this bring out the best in people. Sadly it can also bring out the worst in people. I have dedicated this edition of Clarke’s Corner to the best.
Life is not a scripted reality television program; life is the real reality.
This past week we have seen two hopeful candidates running for president of these United States make a visit to our area, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
The Augusta National Golf Club once again showed its love and appreciation to Augusta and our surrounding communities by donating $5 million to help with recovery for our people.
Always take the moment it takes to say, “I love you” to those who are most precious to you. Never take the chance that a harsh word may be the last words you speak to a loved one.
Legendary singer song writer Willie Nelson wrote and sang a beautiful song about loss. The lyrics are, “It’s not something you get over, but it’s something you get through.” Let these words echo in your hearts.
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up. The last week and a half for Augusta, Georgia has been a very dramatic experience to say the least. More is sure to follow.
