Help Me Help Them
I'm sure everyone has seen the video of me standing chest deep in flood waters trying to help stranded passengers on route 202 in Flemington. What a lot of people DON'T know is how I got there.
The night started when I was at my best friend, Kristen's house incase she needed help with any flooding since we knew we were expecting heavy rain. Within a matter of minutes, the sump pumps were overcome and there was 12 inches of water in their basement and growing. This basement houses my Goddaughter's playroom, Kristen's office, storage, and Kristen's step daughter's bedroom. With that, they ended up losing their wedding albums, baby pictures, momentos, baby items, as well as clothing and furniture. We rushed to Home Depot to buy even more pumps to try to minimize damage. While there, Kristen's husband called stating he was stuck in his car in water up to his chest in front of CVS and there were no responders in sight. We grabbed some utility ropes from the store and sprang into action. I know I'm the man in the video but what wasn't caught on camera was Kristen in waist deep water, helping to pull one of the exhausted and injured men to solid ground and then rendering first aid to him. After I was able pull Sherwin and one other girl safely to dry land- Kristen and Sherwin both invited those rescued back to their home, gave them dry clothes, fed them, and gave these complete strangers a place to sleep for the night. Even as they were losing all of their belongings below them, they still prioritized the comfort and safety of others. If you know either of them, you know this is just who they are.
Sherwin is the man on the roof of that black car. The car is a total loss not covered by insurance. Kristen and Sherwin selflessly helped rescue people and tend to the injured (as they are both nurses) while not even thinking twice about losing everything they owned in the basement and car. They are thankful and more than grateful that everyone is okay and never ask for help. But I figured we'd offer them a hand since they are always offering theirs to others.
Please consider helping me help them as they do for everyone everyday.