It is at this time of year that we really need to take a moment to appreciate the kindness of others. So let me tell you about a recent incident that restored my faith in humanity during Storm Bert in November.

To be honest, I felt the red warning was over the top and I drove to Charleville, Co Cork without incident. Then Tim got a call from Philip around teatime.

Julie had driven into a flood in Enniskeane and her brand new car had died. Her son Ricky was with her. It’s hard to describe the feelings of helplessness I had. I could imagine Julie in the car, terrified, with water up to her waist. I thought of Ricky and hoped he wasn’t frightened.

Julie’s disability prevented her from getting out. I could visualise her talking to Ricky, keeping him calm. She’s a wonderful mother that way. What if the flood had been deeper? My thoughts ran away.

Rescue operation

I did think about Met Éireann and the red warning and I realised that I should just accept the evaluation of the experts. The warning had expired at 10am but it doesn’t work like a light switch.

Meanwhile, Philip and Colm had sprung into action, organising themselves to go to west Cork. I watched Colm putting on his wet gear and in that moment I realised that my adult children will drop everything for each other.

It’s probably the most valuable tool that we have given them; the value and prioritisation of family. I went next door to mind my young grandson Peter while his father was away. I was glad of the distraction.

There was a car in front of Julie when she hit the flood in Enniskeane. Her car died, including the electrics. There were two men in high-vis vests on the scene quickly. One shouted at her to get out of the car. She shouted back: “I can’t. I have a disability.”

I could imagine Julie in the car, terrified, with water up to her waist. I thought of Ricky and hoped he wasn’t frightened

She could hear him saying: “It’s David, Helen’s wife.” Meanwhile, Julie was telling Ricky, “These men will help us, they’re not strangers, they are Daddy’s friends and neighbours. You’ll be taken out first…”

Then there was a man at the window. “Hello Julie, and hello Ricky, my name is Cyril. I’m your Daddy’s cousin and I’m going to help ye.” Ricky was immediately getting organised. He got his schoolbag and put their important things into it, including Julie’s handbag. The electrics came alive for a few seconds, allowing Julie to unlock the door and the boot. She would need her wheelchair.

Ricky happily went with Cyril – she knew her little boy was safe. The car was towed out of the flood by a man and his tractor. Julie was then able to get out of the car and into Cyril’s jeep. We got the news that they were safe and on their way home.

Philip and Colm and Julie’s husband, David, were still on their way to the scene. They continued to home so they could administer much needed hugs to Julie and Ricky. It was only then that Julie allowed her tears to flow.

Great neighbours

For the next few days, I couldn’t think about the incident without welling up. I went down to west Cork to do the school runs with Ricky. His other granny, Elizabeth, and Julie’s friend, Frances, were also pitching in. Julie is lost without her car. It will take a while before a new one is in place. Recovery from the trauma of it all will take a little longer.

Meanwhile, Ricky was explaining “Granny, when we were in the flood, a man came to help us, his name was Cereal…” The tension was broken and we could finally laugh.

Wonderful friends and neighbours are truly to be cherished, it’s a good time of year to thank them for all they do.