We evacuated a young woman, her son, and her elderly parents. Her father was bedfast, while her mother, though elderly, was still able to help care for her grandson. This young woman carries the weight of all the responsibilities that come with leaving her home and resettling her family somewhere new. Yet, despite all that she has to carry, she patiently cares not only for her family but for everyone around her. She insists on helping me with the cleaning at the shelter. She always greets me with a smile and asks how I’m doing. I have yet to see her discouraged. She carries herself with incredible strength and tenacity. That is what always seems to surprise me most—how resilient people can be. No matter how difficult the circumstances become, it seems that hope is one of the hardest things to get rid of. Amazing, is it not?

