The Art of Recovery I know the image on the front of this September’s issue of Fieldstone doesn’t fall in line with what we usually choose. It’s jarring, and for some, like me, may still be hard to take in when considering what it represents – people whose lives were totally upended by the May 2010 flood. We considered broaching the subject of the flood in the May 2012 issue of Fieldstone, but neither I, nor the O’Leary’s were really ready to go over it in depth again at that time. Since then, after finally being able to celebrate a few holidays like “normal” after settling into their new home, Nancy O’Leary was ready to discuss the matter again, and, with some trepidation, so was I. (See her story on pages 6 and 7.) What we really want people to take away from this issue is the truth of how a community, such as ours here in Fieldstone Farms, can truly come together to help each other get through tough times. When the May 2010 flood occurred, I was just “recovering” from my “Save the Pool” efforts. I had no idea that the website my husband and I created for that would become the online, de facto command center for people in Fieldstone Farms, and communities outside of ours, who were in desperate need of finding generators, getting help from young men to help tear out waterlogged carpeting, and simply delivering food and water to our neighbors who refused to stop working long enough to get a quick bite to eat. Between manning that site, and taking in and giving out from the clubhouse all sorts of items to those in need, each day felt like a week to me, and all the other volunteers who did what it took to support others in our community and beyond. On a smaller level, that’s kind of how I feel every time another issue of Fieldstone comes together, because it takes the efforts of quite a few in our community, who give freely of their time and talents, to share their stories or pass on pertinent and useful information to everyone else. I know we’re not saving lives here, but I do still get that sense of pride that I had that terrible week, when so many came together for a much different cause, but one that still involved our neighbors. So a big “thank you” to all who help put this magazine together and distribute it throughout the community every month. And an even bigger “thank you” to the advertisers who help keep the magazine going by purchasing ad space, which pays for the printing of the magazines. Please repay their kindness by patronizing them whenever you get the chance. And, as always, if you have an idea for something you’d like to see in Fieldstone, please let us know. Send your comments or suggestions to suzanne@fieldstonemagazine.com. And don’t forget to check us out online at fieldstonemagazine.com. You can also “Like” us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on any information or events that arise between issues. I hope we never have to go through the kind of disaster that struck so many of us in May 2010, but I know that if we do, this is one community that won’t hesitate to pitch in and keep helping others until we all experience that “comeback kid” feeling – the one that says, “I may be down now, but that won’t last for long. Not in this place.”
On the Cover
About the Publisher
A charred pair of binoculars and some photos – a selection from the box of memories containing all that was salvageable after the O’Leary’s house burnt down during the May 2010 flood. Photo by Christi Kline
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Suzanne Gallent is a native of Chattanooga and a graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After an 18-year career as an account executive and project manager for a number of Nashville’s foremost marketing, advertising and public relations firms, she left it all behind to pursue her most challenging and rewarding job yet, full-time motherhood. She has lived happily ever after in Fieldstone Farms for eight years with her husband, Chip, and her two sons.