To be honest, I have found it hard to write a column for this week after seeing all of the flooding and related havoc that has found its way in south Bryan following Tropical Storm Debby. 

Flooded neighborhoods, road closures, and traffic jams have plagued the county since last Tuesday, gravely affecting people’s homes and livelihoods. My thoughts are all those affected; a few of my friends have family in Richmond Hill and they say that it has never been this bad before–-I certainly believe them.

But what has warmed my heart this week is seeing all of the positive outpouring of mutual aid and charity between neighbors in Richmond Hill, with folks offering to pick up groceries and other items for folks stuck in their homes, or students carpooling to school to make things easier for parents. Social media sites do play a role in creating and cultivating such connections (as much as I and many others like to criticize such platforms) with many established Facebook groups currently dedicated to sharing relevant information to Richmond Hill residents in need.

With that in mind, let us all celebrate the power of community and goodwill towards our friends. As they say, no man is an island–even when his house is surrounded by water.

No Man Is An Island John Donne 

No man is an island, Entire of itself; Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, As well as if a promontory were: As well as if a manor of thy friend’s Or of thine own were. Any man’s death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

Andrea Gutierrez is the managing editor of the Bryan County News.