Hey Mother Nature, quit picking on Iowa!

It ‘s been a very difficult and tragic few weeks here in Iowa.

Between tornadoes destroying towns like Parkersburg and taking the lives of 4 boy scouts last night and the flooding that is destroying homes, businesses and putting lives in jeopardy — we’re feeling a little picked on.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the e-mails and calls from all of you, checking on us and offering your prayers and thoughts.

One of the silver linings of a disaster/s is watching humanity at its best. Sure, there will probably be some people who try to take advantage, but for the most part — people are scrambling to find ways to help. Fund raising efforts to re-built Parkersburg have exceeded expectations.

People and businesses aren’t waiting to be asked, they are just showing up to help with the sandbagging and flood rescue efforts. Businesses who are out of harm’s way are offering extra office space to anyone displaced by the water. Hotels are making rooms available to families who have lost their home. Volunteers are calling a hot-line number to find out where they are needed and going without question. Restaurants are delivering food to sandbagging sites.

And the rain beats on relentlessly, adding to the danger and challenge of trying to prepare/recover.

It reminds me of how we as a nation responded after 9/11 or Katrina. When someone’s in trouble — it brings out the best in us. People don’t stop to ask "what’s in it for me" — they just act honorably and give.

I thought about twisting this story into a marketing lesson (because you know I ‘ve done that before!) but I decided a lesson in humanity and human kindness was probably a better choice for today.

While the power of the rushing water is awesome, the power of the human heart is even more awe inspiring.

Update: Sorry — should have been more clear. Yes…me and mine are fine and dry. Had some serious basement flooding damage but in the grand scheme of things, that’s nothing. House is in the ‘burbs so we shouldn’t be at any high risk. Might lose water/power for a few days. Office is downtown, but I think we are on high enough ground. Time will tell. As best I know, all the Iowa bloggers you know and love are also safe and dry.

Photos courtesy of Des Moines Register’s online photo galleries.