Hurricane Florence hit North/South Carolina about two weeks ago and the effect was devastating to the eastern part of the states. Thirty five lives were lost and property damage is estimated to be $23-100+ billion.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by the storm.

We are located in Durham, about 150 miles from where Hurricane Florence came ashore. We were very lucky and did not sustain any serious wind damage, flooding, or power outages, although communities 35-40 miles to the east did.

People here were really worried about Florence because it resembled Hurricane Floyd, which hit North Carolina back in 1999. After Floyd hit, many here were without power for two weeks.

Although Florence was a very unwelcome visitor that affected many millions of lives, I also experienced a wonderful benefit of the storm: a true sense of community in our neighborhood. Neighbors that I had never seen before or spoken to came out of their homes to survey the general situation and check in on their neighbors. 

It was obvious they truly cared about their neighbors, and would help as needed. 

That was totally unexpected and very inspiring. 

Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters make it easy to put things into perspective and remember what is important in life: your family, your friends, and the neighbors that show up at just the right time.