It has been a week since water invaded our community, swamped our homes and businesses and destroyed our belongings.
As our city flooded and tensions mounted last Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning something important happened. Texans and our neighbors got to work. People of all races and backgrounds did what we always do. We worked together to find a way forward.
In came the Cajun Navy, the Texas Navy and a navy or two yet unnamed, along with hundreds of first responders. They launched their boats and, one-by-one, members of our community made their way to safety.
People came from all directions with supplies, compassion and a tireless effort to give aid and comfort to victims and first responders. And the few homes that were dry were opened to provide refuge to friends and strangers.
None of us are surprised to see our people work together. We do that every day. Yes, there is among us a fringe of people who enjoy argument and infighting, whether here in our cities or on the national news networks. Such people are in every community. But that is not us.
The true nature of this community can be judged only by its actions. And the actions of our people, our first responders, our leaders and volunteers should make us all proud. Ours is a group that comes together for one another.

As the waters receded homes and businesses stood empty, a mess. Many still do. A day later large piles of debris lined the sides of the roads. These piles contain the objects that are the materials of everyday life – furniture, appliances, clothing, mattresses, even cars. Treasured family heirlooms were destroyed by the rising water.

Yes, all of this is gone, but all is not lost. Our people are here, and they are moving forward. Those big piles of debris are signs of recovery and rebuilding. They were made by the hands and strong backs of hardworking men and women who are rebuilding their lives in record time.  That is our nature.  When conditions are harsh we persevere. When help is needed we show up. And when the sun comes out we get to work rebuilding.
People are hurting here and there is much work to do. The recovery will take months and in some cases years. But our will is strong and our pace is brisk. In seven more days we will have made progress that might not seem possible today. And in seven months we will be stronger than ever. A day at a time, we will rebuild, together.

The Port Arthur News pledges to be right there with its readers, relating events both good and bad, but always putting our community and its people first as we face the challenges and triumphs ahead.