The recent flood that devastated the Ohio Valley put much hardship on many families but one particular woman didn't only lose material values but had to make a choice between life or limp.

Florence Smith is known throughout this valley and especially her church as the angel of mercy.  Florence is the woman known for taking food to the hungry, giving rides to doctor visits for the stranded, sending cards to the sick, calling the lonely and praying for the sick and shut in.  The bottom line is that she has been there for any and all occasions whether good or bad.

Recently, at her home, as the flood waters began to rise, she went to the basement garage with the intention of driving the car out to the street out of danger.   She tried to open the basement door to the garage but the force of the water pinned her leg between the door and door frame and swept her off her feet. 

As the water continued to rise she lay there trapped about to drown.  After being freed by her husband and the Wheeling fire fighters she was taken to the hospital for an abrasion and possible fracture.  She was sent home a few hours later.  As the pain grew unbearable she went back to the Wheeling  hospital where she underwent surgery twice and was transferred to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown WV.  Once there, she was told she had a flesh eating bacteria in her body from the contaminated sewer water.  She would have to sacrafice her leg in order to save her life. 

Florence may have only one leg but will continue to prove that an angel can fly with one wing.  In order for Florence to live in her home, a stair lift is needed being that the bathroom in on the second floor and laundry and garage in basement.  This is just the begining of the many necessities she will need for her to continue to live her life with abundance beyond existing.