When I woke up Tuesday morning, I thought it would be like most days at the Times-Journal. Pick up police reports, drive by the jail, do a few interviews and write my stories.

However, as I was finishing my breakfast, I heard a loud roll of thunder.

It sounded like lightning struck just a few houses over. A storm was brewing; it was definitely a day that called for rain boots.

Driving to the office, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Streets were quickly flooding, and the torrential downpour was swallowing cars. Schools were closing and water was creeping in to the homes of many Selma residents.

By 10:30 a.m. two cars had been almost completely submerged on Lauderdale Street.

Throughout the day, I drove through Selma and the surrounding area, talking to teachers, students and residents about the weather. Although many situations seemed hopeless, I was surprised by the high level of optimism that most people had about the day.

One incident that specifically stood out was a man I talked to on J.L. Chestnut Street. His front yard had more than a foot of water in it and the majority of his home resembled a small pond. He said he had been digging ditches in his front yard, trying to remove some of the water, when a good friend drove by and put his rain boots on to help.

Just a few weeks earlier, this same man had a fire in his house too. His walls and ceiling were still covered in soot.

Wading through his home, he showed me his backyard, which was about two feet deep with water. I had never seen such a sight.

Even though this man was going through the unimaginable, he still had a warm smile and an attitude of optimism. I couldn’t believe it.

I also spoke with teachers at Brantley Elementary School who had water come in through the front and side doors and destroy books and classroom materials. They were all working hard, doing everything they could to salvage their classrooms.

Everyone had a “can do” attitude and no one complained about the situation they were in, but rather searched for solutions. Their positive spirits amazed me.

And even though the rain subsided the next day, the positive spirits didn’t end there.

Residents could still be seen helping their neighbors remove stray branches and debris from their front yards. Extended family members came together to help their elderly aunts and uncles who were affected by the storms.

Although I hope a storm like this never comes to Selma again, I know that if it does, we will be ready with the same positive attitudes we had earlier this week.

Let’s just dry out first.