Growing up in West Virginia has taught me many things. It has taught me to put my family first, love my neighbors and always help those in need. This week I was reminded of the importance of helping my neighbors and always being proud of my home state.

Disaster hit the southern part of West Virginia last month when tremendous flooding caused countless families to lose their homes and every treasure inside of them. This tragic event caused the entire state of West Virginia to come together, united and ready to help our neighbors.

I was blessed to get the chance to travel down to Clendenin, West Virginia, one of the areas that were hit the hardest to help anyone who needed it. It was amazing to see people who had lost everything have smiling faces. They were kind and so thankful to have fellow West Virginians there to help them.

I had never seen the aftermath of a natural disaster until I drove into this town, a town just an hour or so south of my home. Families had lost so much. Their homes were destroyed and all of their treasures went with them. Some people had lost more than others, but these people were somehow able to stay positive.

It was crazy to think of how much these people had been through. They had lost so much, yet had such a beautiful spirit inside of them. I heard the words thank you so many times. That reminded me of how lucky I am to live in a state with such incredible people. I was so blessed to get to help them in their long journey of rebuilding their homes. Their lives had been turned upside down and they just need help getting things back to normal. Their smiling faces and their hope made my day so much brighter.

The amount of donations that have been given to this cause is so incredible. Donations of all kinds from all over have filled the towns affected and what a beautiful thing that is to see. So many people from my state were working, helping their neighbors with smiling faces.

This experience made me reflect on the people of my home state. Some people often forget that West Virginia is even a state, so I guess it has always been our job to stick together. The people that call this state home are so helpful and are always there to help a neighbor that is in need.

I find the people of my home state to be like no other. I was able to remember all of the wonderful things about West Virginia. The spirit that lays in our hills is so beautiful and unique. The people that call West Virginia home are so different than people anywhere else because of their kind hearts and willingness to help one another.

West Virginia is truly the greatest place to call home. It is full of great people with the kindest hearts. Us West Virginians will always stick together, no matter what we might face.

We are kind. We are grateful. We are full of hope and most importantly, we are West Virginia strong.