To the town of Ellicott City, Maryland, and our beautiful Main Street –
Ellicott City is my hometown. I have lived here all of my life. I have grown up with the historic Main Street oh so close, and have seen its beauty evolve over the years. When you see your city’s name in the news for something good, it can feel incredible… But when the name of your city becomes synonymous with disaster and tragedy, it’s a whole other story.
On the night of July 30, 2016, a roaring rush of flood waters rolled through Main Street, taking the lives of two people and ruining numerous buildings. Cars were swept away. Stores were gutted and merchandise was lost. In a matter of hours what was called a “one in a thousand year” storm took a devastating toll on the city. Officials and witnesses said the damage was like something out of a disaster movie.
There wasn’t a lot left when the water receded. Businesses, homes, and cars were lost. What remained was devastation and a clean-up effort that would be dangerous, costly, and time consuming. Here arose challenges that homeowners and storeowners would have to slowly but surely face.
But something else emerged from all of this heartache… and it was love. Love for the community, love for one another. A video of a human chain that rescued a woman from her car trapped in flood waters. Stories of store owners who helped other Main Street workers get to safety. Despite this darkness that descended over Ellicott City, there was still so much light.
Love for Ellicott City fills my heart, and it fills the hearts of so many others that have spent time there or also call it home. As I reflect in the wake of tragedy, I realize there is so much to thank this city for.
Thank you, Ellicott City, for giving me so many incredible memories. This has been a place for me to go with my parents, siblings, grandparents, and best of friends. I will fondly remember spending hours shopping, enjoying great food, and spending time with people I love.
Thank you, Ellicott City, for celebrating the old and embracing the new. You’ve given the people the charm of the historic buildings and preserved this incredible history, all while introducing new, fun, and trendy stores. Not to mention, you developed quite the place to play "Pokémon Go," something appreciated by people of all ages.
Thank you, Ellicott City, for showing me what strength looks like. I am consistently inspired by stories of people who risked it all to help one another as the raging waters rushed in. I am incredibly moved by women like Tammy Beideman of Sweet Elizabeth Jane and Kelli Meyers of A Journey from Junk who, in the face of incredible adversity, remain so optimistic. I am brought to tears because of these incredible people. They give me hope.
Thank you, Ellicott City, for putting things into perspective. Two lives were lost because of this disaster. It goes to show you that nothing is guaranteed, and you must never take anything for granted. Thank you for showing me the value of every minute of every day we are given.
Thank you, Ellicott City, for further revealing how truly incredible this community is. The outpouring of donations and the desire to help in any way necessary that came out of all of this was wonderful to see. The entire town has rallied behind the residents and business owners of Main Street, as well as the first responders who are working tirelessly to begin the clean-up efforts. My pride for my hometown has since grown tenfold.
I am saddened by what has happened to our city, but despite it all, my heart and the hearts of the people of Ellicott City are full of love. They are still full of love as we head into the future, when we will once again be able to walk up and down our incredible Main Street. Today, tomorrow, and always, we are Ellicott City Strong.
