Tragedy and Opportunity

A photograph from Tobi Barnett's home on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. The water would rise another 5 feet forcing Tobi and her family's evacuation by boat and destroying her home.

There is an old saying that goes, "One day when the chips are down, you'll find out who your real friends are." Can we agree that this summer the chips have been down for the people in Baton Rouge? First the protests, then the police murders, and now the devastating flooding. While the first two took place within 2 miles of this office, the flooding hit closer to home as it wiped out Nodier Law's own Tobi Barnett's home and vehicles, and struck countless other friends and colleagues.

But out of tragedy comes opportunity. That opportunity is for every person to help out his fellow man. Some took to boats (the "Cajun Navy") and bravely rescued people from dangerous flood waters. Some helped gut homes after the waters receded. Some provided food, shelter, storage, monetary assistance, washed mud- soaked clothes, and every other kind of assistance one can think of. Still others provided kindness and prayers. Being on the front lines I'm proud to attest that what I saw and am seeing, is people from all backgrounds, religions, and racial make-up, seizing their personal opportunity during this difficult summer to make our community a better place, one kind act at a time. And that is what a true friend does when the chips are down.