The clean-up will take months. Repairs to infrastructure may take years, given the number of bridges and roads completely washed away or undermined. Crops in the fields are gone. People's jobs are gone. But we as a people are here and we will get through this tragedy as we have other tragedies in the past. We are SC Strong! ~Michael S. Pauley
Here is South Carolina, the tragedy continues to unfold. Even though the rains stopped several days ago, the flood waters will take longer to subside and will continue to wreak havoc as they move downstream. People are returning to their homes to the shock that there might be nothing left to save. Many people have lost everything, all have suffered some loss. Friends have lost homes and/or businesses, loved ones, pets, and their whole way of life. This flood has forever changed the face of our state. But in typical Southern style, we all rally around each other. Those with little left themselves offer that little bit to their neighbors. Folks with one or two dry rooms in their homes are inviting even less fortunate neighbors to camp out with them. Churches and businesses which are themselves damaged are nonetheless providing meals and shelter for their community.
The clean-up will take months. Repairs to infrastructure may take years, given the number of bridges and roads completely washed away or undermined. Crops in the fields are gone. People's jobs are gone. But we as a people are here and we will get through this tragedy as we have other tragedies in the past. We are SC Strong! ~Michael S. Pauley
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After a sleepless weekend of historic rainfall, dams collapsing, streets and bridges closing, we are just thankful that all the kids, their homes and ours, survived. That is more than some people have. Too many have lost everything. One daughter was evacuated from her apartment after a small dam on the Mill pond gave way in reaction to three dams collapsing further upstream. The historic building that houses my office was damaged, with several outbuildings/businesses completely washed away. We might be able to get in there today to survey the damage. Fortunately, we are on an upper level that does not seem to have suffered any water damage, as far as anyone can tell from cursory observation. A number of roads out of town have been washed away or closed. They have reopened 2 of them, but the bridges across the main rivers are dicey. Two of the kids are on the other side of the rivers from us. At least they are safe and did not flood out. We are sorry for those in Columbia where there is no city water in many areas, including a number of hospitals, and those that do have a trickle of water are having to boil it.
People who were evacuated had to move several times due to flooding or no water at the shelters. It was so bad here that the Extreme weather center had to relocate due to the extreme weather! Our state has suffered greatly from this weather event and we pray that the death toll does not rise. It will take a long time to recover from this tragedy, with many roads and bridges around the state completely washed away. We are stunned and a little in shock at the moment. Time to put on the waders, grab a shovel, and start reclaiming our lives. ~ Michael S. Pauley As we wait for the rain, there is some debate over whether sand bags will suffice or should we build an ark. Here's hoping that everyone stays safe and the hurricane-related weather does not follow the worst-case scenarios of all the projections. ~ Michael S. Pauley
What a fun experience! My first radio interview went really well. Brian Boger was an excellent host and the hour went by far too quickly. I appreciate the invitation to be on his show and also appreciate how comfortable he made me feel. We had never met until about 15 minutes before the show, my name having been given to him by our mutual acquaintance, Calvin of Rainy Day Pal Books in Lexington, SC.
You can hear the interview by going to the 'Events' tab. Segment 1 has been uploaded, with the other segments to be posted this week. ~ Michael S. Pauley Sunday, 9 a.m., I will be live on WVOC News, Talk and Sports Radio (560 AM, Columbia, SC). Brian Boger has invited me to be a guest on his "Talk Legal Show" to discuss my books. I am looking forward to the discussion with Brian. ~ Michael S. Pauley
Events occur that everyone old enough to remember will be able to tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing when they happened. Today is one of those days. 9/11. September 11. Fall of the Two Towers. Attack on the Pentagon. Flight 93. It only takes a few words to cause a person to stop and briefly relive that moment in time. Today we will probably see a lot of that, people just stopping and having that blank stare for a few moments. Here's to memories and moments of silence. ~ Michael S. Pauley
There we were, watching From Russia with Love, when we heard the news of the events in Istanbul. Then we were watching Sink the Bismark when we heard the news about the raising of the bell of the HMS Hood. Odd coincidences? Hm-m-m-m. ~Michael S. Pauley
For the past month, I have been in the process of making some significant changes in my business life. My business partner has retired and that has necessitated many other changes. The partnership had to be dissolved, the name changed, and a new office space located. E-mail addresses and domain names had to be changes and procured. The furniture, equipment, and even the pictures on the walls had to be divided. This had all the sad ingredients of a divorce and a death in the family, while still having the excitement (and headaches) of buying a new house.
We found a wonderful space in an historic building in our town, but it needed to be re-worked, adding walls, new wiring, light fixtures, computer and telephone connections, etc, etc., etc., until my head hurts. While others were planning and enjoying their 4th of July festivities, we were putting together furniture, and dodging painters, electricians, and other workmen. It is, of course, not ready. Nonetheless, we must try to conduct business today, using the few spaces that are ready enough to put furniture into and the promise of am internet connection. ~ Michael S. Pauley Have a safe and Happy 4th of July! Enjoy the festivities and fireworks. Speaking of fireworks, I was pleased to see the yard signs available for veterans regarding said fireworks. The spectacle is beautiful, but the accompanying booms are not, especially for those of us who are combat vets. My lovely bride loves fireworks and the look on her face is like a child as she watches the displays. I have, over the years, grit my teeth and tried to be there for her during these celebrations. She understands that I do not enjoy them the way she does. We have found some pretty good solutions for us. We watch them from a distance, where she can enjoy the spectacle but the sound is not so close. Or we watch them on TV, since many celebrations around the nation are televised. Please be considerate of your neighbors, even is they do not have a sign in their yard. Our pets are also sensitive to the sound and might even run away if not contained in a safe space.
Our veterans are the reason we can enjoy this holiday, so thank them and have consideration for them. Enjoy your holiday! ~ Michael S. Pauley |
AuthorMichael S. Pauley is a Navy brat and an old soldier who served in all three components of the United States Army. Living in Lexington, South Carolina, Michael is now a practicing attorney and member of the United States Naval Institute and the American Legion, Post 154, Tybee Island, Georgia. Archives
June 2021
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