Myrtle Beach Residents Rally in the Face of Adversity
In the heart of Myrtle Beach, stories of resilience and concern are echoing across our sunny shores as Hurricane Helene has left a profound impact on communities, especially in neighboring Spruce Pine, North Carolina. With winds howling and rain drenching the landscape, it’s hard not to feel for those affected.
Caitlin’s Journey
Taking a deep breath, Caitlin Laws shared her experience after fleeing her home in Spruce Pine to seek refuge with her family here in Horry County. This past Saturday marks the last time she had any contact with her husband and mother-in-law, as the storm wreaked havoc on their small town.
Caitlin, born and raised in Myrtle Beach, made the decision to move to Spruce Pine two years ago to help care for her mother-in-law. But as Helene barreled through, everything changed. “I have lived through countless hurricanes,” she reflected, “but I’ve never seen anything like I saw back there. Mudslides everywhere, trees scattered about, homes washed away—gone!“
The Importance of Spruce Pine
Caitlin emphasized just how crucial Spruce Pine is beyond its beautiful scenery. It produces the purest form of quartz, which is essential for appliances, cell phones, computers, cars—everything we rely on in our daily lives. “These little towns are being forgotten,” she said earnestly, “and they need to be remembered.” Her words resonate with those of us who understand just how vital these small communities are.
A Long Wait for News
After being without power and resources for several days, Caitlin’s father made an incredible journey, driving over ten hours to rescue her and her kids. “I kept telling my kids until he’s here, we’re not out,” Caitlin shared, her voice filled with emotion. “When I saw his car pull into the driveway, I honestly was kind of shocked that he made it because I didn’t think he would.” What a relief that must have been!
Now back in Myrtle Beach with her little ones, Caitlin faces the anxiety of uncertainty as her husband stayed back to care for his mother, who is battling a rare form of cancer. With tears in her eyes, Caitlin admitted, “Since then, I’ve had no contact with them. We can’t call, we can’t Facebook message—there’s no way of knowing because there’s no service. It’s all been shut off.” It’s a dilemma that would tug at anyone’s heartstrings.
The Weight of Worry
Feeling guilty for leaving, she’s understandably anxious about her husband’s well-being, especially at night when he relies on a CPAP machine for his serious sleep apnea. “I’m so worried about him. When night comes around, I just hope he’s making it through the night breathing,” Caitlin shared with concern.
Despite the challenges, Caitlin is proud of her husband for his bravery and commitment to his family during such a tough time. The Laws family is just one among at least 600 people still waiting for news from their loved ones caught in the storm’s aftermath.
A Community Standing Together
Myrtle Beach is known for its friendly faces and warm community spirit, and it’s during moments like this that we truly see people come together. As we continue to hear stories of those affected by Helene, it’s a reminder that each of us can lend a hand, whether through sharing information or just being there for one another.
As we keep Caitlin and her loved ones in our thoughts, let’s also reflect on the strength of our communities—both near and far. We will get through this together, Myrtle Beach!
