It is with this old feeling of connection that I will fast forward to THE ICE STORM Of '98. I had my battery radio on, and I heard that the American Red Cross needed volunteers. No hesitation - and Henry and I were at the local shelter, which was being established at the High School. For literally a lifetime, I have watched the Red Cross involved in its disaster relief and have wanted to be with them, so I enthusiastically welcomed the chance to live it from the inside. We learned that the local directors of the Shelter were Rick and Tonya Grant of Monmouth, joined later by a lady volunteer from San Francisco who was the Leader. Mobil Units outfitted for keeping foods hot along with other capabilities came with volunteer drivers from Pennsylvania.

For about 10 days henceforth Henry and I were immersed with those whom The Storm had left without the most basic of human necessities, i.e. shelter, food and clothing. Some were in sickness; some were in health. At the shelter, there was medical attention for those who were ill, including ongoing assisted living arrangements. There was spiritual attention for those who were broken-hearted; as when a lady was notified of the death of her significant other and found herself enveloped in caring, which continues to this day. Tireless volunteers were at the Shelter around the clock, some working from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and after. With the structure and resources made possible by the Red Cross some 6000 meals were served, many delivered hot, along with blankets; as to the gentleman who was alone and cold, who met the Volunteers with tears of disbelief that anyone had thought of him. There was clothing for the insufficiently clothed, sometimes from volunteers' own closets. There was sleep in a safe and warm environment.

When our Church, the Winthrop United Methodist, opened its doors and was serving free food, I was tempted to join the friends there, but I knew that I was committed to old and new friends at the Shelter, and belonged there. There were others who helped in both places, and attempts were made to have the efforts be cooperative ones. I will say that Pastor Steve Perry's regular visits to us at the shelter were like CARE packages from home!

Life at the Shelter went on, as we laughed together, we cried together, and we worked together. And in this sharing together we became a Community. a community with bonds such that when it was time for us to all leave, there were some who did not wish to do so. This Community continues without walls, for the bonds remain.

As I have re-lived the time at the Shelter in this writing, I realize that Matthew 25:35-36 was fulfilled there:

"I was hungry; and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison (from an ice storm) and you came to me."

I would not have missed this experience, for it has been a life changing one.

I recently read a book where the author advised that in writing, one take a small window and describe what is seen there. I have taken a small window into the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Effort. This window had opened for me 80 years ago, before my time, when each of the ladies of the World WarI Red Cross stepped forward in charity and said: "If you need me. I am here." They were an inspiration, and it is my hope that from wherever they are, they can appreciate what has been their legacy. Thank God for this inheritance.