With Love To Minot
Today a city gave up. An entire city gave up.
The residents of Minot, ND put down their shovels, left the sandbags scattered about, grabbed as many of their possessions as they could, and they left their homes. 12,000 of the city's 40,000 people evacuated, most realizing it is the last time they will ever see the walls of the homes where they have raised their children, lived their dreams, and shed their tears.
The battles have gone on for months. The flooding first started in April, relentless rain and excess snow taking the blame for overwhelming the intricate system of waterways and dams that protects so much of the United States and Canada. Many of the 12,000 people already survived one mandatory evacuation less than a month ago. Homes and business were damaged, but life continued on.
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Today life stopped. The people who don't ever give up did exactly that. The people who watch out for one another in a way that isn't seen anywhere else in the country looked at one another and said, "This is it." The Mayor of Minot had delivered the news that changed the course of history. Instead of continuing to build levees and dikes, it was time to leave. Officials in Canada had been left with no choice but to release water from a dam, the floodways and reservoirs are full, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop the water from overtaking the city within the next 24 hours.
As the people drove away from their homes, they faced a river that had already reached the highest point documented in history. The city was forever changed by a flood in 1969. River banks were wisely made higher and wider in the aftermath, with the hope that the city could then handle another flood of that magnitude. Now a flood of that magnitude surrounds them, but there is another eight feet of water headed their way.
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There's nothing they can do. They had to give up. They had to leave.
And now they wait. And hope.
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As the water rushes through the streets of Minot, it will wash away many of my childhood memories. The Girl Scout camp where I learned about Campfire Bananas is gone. The State Fairgrounds where I worked countless hours to save enough money to move away from that city is already under water. The swimming pool where I spent many lazy summer days is no longer recognizable. The bank parking lot where I met my husband will soon be submerged. Many friends' homes will be washed away.
The heart of the city is being washed away.
But the people won't be. People from Minot don't quit. They are far too stubborn to give up. They will be back.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Reader Comments (11)
This makes me wonder about my own family history around Minot. My dad's family had a farm near there (where I'm not really 100% sure because I've never been...its a long story involving half siblings, family bushes and crazy intrigue ;)) so I know that they are a strong people as my grandmother was one of the strongest women I knew.
I'm sure they will come back someway, somehow.
I can't even imagine what those people are going through. I see major flooding around here all of the time, and the same neighborhoods flood over and over again. But to have that much flooding and to have to make that choice is just unfathomable. I pray those people have something to go back to.
Tears. It's hard to sit in a safe, warm house and watch this happen to others. Thinking of all the memories lost.
This past fall, I spent some time in Minot while working with a client in New Town. Since the casino was full, I commuted 75 miles each way. It was some of the most beautiful land I've seen. (I never expected the sunrise over the prairie would make my eyes well up with tears.) And the people I met were unfailingly kind and helpful. My heart goes out to them. And to you -- it's hard to see your childhood landmarks disappear like that.
This is truly heartbreaking.
Such a sad thing. So difficult, especially after so much work to try to hold out against it, and then this. I hope there is something to return to. I hope everyone survives. I'm sad for all that has been, and will be, lost. Good luck, people of Minot.
brings back so many memories of the flood that took my beloved apartment in 2004 (stupid ivan). only this seems so much worse. praying for all impacted by this flooding.
Let us know if there is anything we can do to help. Prayers are on their way.
The burning question is: how many of Minot's orphaned pets has The Husband talked you into keeping? :)
I am at a loss for words. My heart aches for all of them.
So sad for all. They are wonderful people. I was born in Minot and have family all over the area. Now I'm a Western PA gal, too. Small world. Thanks for the sweet blog.