Never in a million years would I have thought a hurricane would leave my home sweet home completely shattered. I am from Bluffton, South Carolina which is 10 minutes from Hilton Head Island. When I first heard of Hurricane Matthew I quickly pushed it to the back of my mind. We always get lucky, what were the odds it would actually come right at us this time? It was Tuesday, October 4th, when I received a text message from my best friend saying that Charleston was being evacuated. Immediately I thought of my home town and family.
The next few days were filled with worry as it was still unclear if the hurricane was for sure going to strike home or not. My family waited until the day before Hurricane Matthew was said to hit, thankfully getting out just in time. Over the weekend I slowly started seeing images and videos of what had happened in Haiti and in Florida,and not long after, seeing the damage Matthew created in my own town.
While we were extremely lucky compared to those in Haiti and even Florida, we still suffered from severe damage to our beautiful island. I see images such as the one below and my heart goes out to all the families who have no home to go back to. I am fortunate that my house is intact, the only issue being limbs, leaves, and pinecones scattered around the yard
Being born and raised in this area I never truly thought about the unique characteristics and beauty that the low country holds. From the historical buildings in Old Town Bluffton and the Gullah culture on Hilton Head Island, to the winding beaches and nature paths surrounding us, I truly live in an area that is more than site worthy. Not to mention the captivating sunsets along the May River and the grand oak trees that cover the area with such delicacy.
Hurricane Matthew helped me to realize just how much I appreciate where I live and to never take that for granted. I was always told "you live where we vacation," usually just laughing this statement off like it was no big deal. But it is. I have been so privileged to grow up in this area, and it took a disaster for me to realize this.
I believe it is true that it takes something terrible to bring a community together. Although I am up in Clemson at the moment, I see that the Bluffton and Hilton Head Community is stronger than ever and that is a blessing in its self. It is incredible to see how people can come together in a time of need and work together to clean up and pick up where we left off. In that, I am incredibly proud to say that this is where I am from and I hope that others can say the same.
My heart goes out to everyone affected by this unfortunate disaster. I hope that everyone back at home learns to appreciate the little things in life and continues to be part of a strong community that lifts each other up even after we have gotten back on our feet. The low country is still and always be beautiful in my mind.
We are SC Strong.
