Greenwood County Resident Survives Hurricane Helene’s Destruction with Community Support and New Beginnings

Greenwood County: A Fortunate Escape in the Wake of Hurricane Helene

Good day, Greenwood County! We have a bit of a heartwarming tale amidst the chaos caused by Hurricane Helene, which took us all by surprise with her fierce winds and pouring rain. Let’s dive into the remarkable story of Eddie Coleman, a resident of Old Abbeville Highway.

The Incident

As Hurricane Helene brought her mighty force to Greenwood County in late September, many homes sadly bore witness to nature’s immense power. Among them was Eddie Coleman’s charming abode, where the calm before the storm took a dramatic twist. On the fateful morning of September 27, Eddie awoke to the sounds of the storm, and as he peered out his window, a gigantic 200-year-old oak gave up its ground, collapsing onto his beloved home.

A Lucky Escape

Eddie’s luck, however, could just as easily have run out; the oak landed right at the heart of the house, sending the upstairs bedroom cascading down to the floor below. In a manner as dramatic as it is miraculous, Eddie was only slightly injured. “I’ve been hit harder than that playing football,” he recounted, while pointing to a teeny red mark on his head.

Community Bonds and Support

After such a tumultuous event, one might wonder what comes next. The answer, thankfully, is a community coming together. Eddie continues to receive incredible support from those around him. “Neighbors looking after neighbors. Isn’t that wonderful?” he mused, as he chronicled the genuine support he has received—from cousins offering manual help to local businesses stepping up with meals and stays.

Preserving Memories

Despite the chaos, Eddie has chosen to focus on kindness and recollection. He regularly visits the site, sitting in what remains of his cherished yard. “I’m saying good-bye to my house, my home,” he openly expressed, noting the memories that span over 77 years of his life on this property. He added with heartfelt emotions, “You don’t live in a place for that long and not have feelings.”

From Déjà Vu to New Beginnings

Though the house is now uninhabitable, Eddie Coleman plans for a bright future. Reviewing architectural plans, Coleman’s heart is set on crafting a three-bedroom country cottage—a house built with new memories in mind. Optimism is not lost on him; with plans of living another impressive 77 years on the freshly revitalized plot of land, his resilience shines through.

A Thankful Reminder

Amidst the facts and figures, this story stands as a testament to human grit and generosity. Eddie Coleman’s tale reminds us all of the unpredictable chaos nature can summon, but also of the undeniable power of community and hope that can emerge in response.

Greenwood County may have weathered a fierce storm, but it remains firm, its people bound closer together and ready to rise from the rubble with stories of unity and renewal.