Flooding in Nashville

May 12, 2010

There are so many horrible disasters happening around the world lately, including extensive flooding in Nashville, Tennessee, the center of the country music recording industry. You may recall that my former executive assistant, Liesl Menning Haynie, moved to Nashville, where she lives with her husband, country music artist, Kevin Haynie and their adorable son, Luke. Naturally, I was concerned for them because their home is located quite near the Harpeth River and I was relieved to hear that they survived the flood.

Liesl explained that Kevin was on the road touring with Josh Turner and she was at home with Luke. The rain started on Saturday, May 1st, which was when she also lost power. The rain came down in torrents and when it stopped Sunday evening, more than thirteen inches had fallen. Liesl, who stayed indoors with the baby had no way of knowing about the rapidly rising river and was horrified by what she encountered outside.

Liesl, who now works as manager to multi platinum country music artist, Clay Walker, explained to him what happened in her neighborhood and he donated a generous sum and told her to buy food and supplies and stay home and help her neighbors. Liesl purchased items, such as latex gloves, goggles, buckets, brooms, mops, bleach, and bug spray, as well as food and beverage. Liesl, Luke, and Kevin, who returned on Monday, provided sustenance and moral support to their neighbors in need. Liesl also wanted me to mention that the Grand Ole Opry is still happening. All performances are taking place in the original, historic Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium. And, MusiCares helps those in the music community that are victims of the flood.

: Liesl and Kevin recruited their friends to join them in their relief efforts.

: Kevin’s car was parked at the Opry lot. It can now be seen, but it had been completely submerged.

: The Grand Ole Opry House on Monday, May 3rd.

: The Grand Ole Opry Stage Door

: With temperatures soaring above 90-degrees, this was hot and nasty work.

: The interiors of the homes had to be stripped, removing anything that the flood waters got wet – drywall, insulation, etc.

: American pride amongst the destruction

: Luke’s baby carriage all loaded up with lunch.

: Luke’s baby carriage all loaded for breakfast

: Residents of Bellevue Retirement Home needed to be rescued by boat.

: The boat rescue team worked tirelessly.

: This young boy got busy and helped to pass out the Red Cross supplies.

: Luke’s baby carriage full of burgers and hot dogs

: Ruined appliances still line the streets.

: One more fortunate neighbor cleaned out closets and drawers and donated items of clothing.

: On Sunday, May 2nd, this is what it looked like one block from Liesl and Kevin’s home.

: The nearby Harpeth River flooded the community.

: Despite being damaged by the flood, this neighbor hung their flag proudly.

: Little Jude helped by pushing the food carriage.

: Here is Kevin delivering an early morning breakfast.

: Liesl and Luke making the food rounds again.

: Liesl pausing to feed Luke, who took all of this in stride.

: The neighbors so appreciated the steady flow of food and refreshments.

: Luke became a goodwill ambassador and worked to cheer people up.

: Luke on his 4th day of delivering – a real trooper!

: The debris piles kept growing.

: Heart breaking

: Another neighbor set up a tool table.

: The flood waters took a long time to subside.

: Mountains of debris

: Little Parker helped by delivering coffee and bagels.

: Cleaning up after a flood is filthy work and hand sanitizer was appreciated.

: The Red Cross delivered boxes of cleaning supplies.

: In another part of Nashville, this is a view of the expanding Cumberland River, whose banks are actually quite far from here. The flooding was so extensive.