DEBBIE TRAVIS
Grit, Grace, and Determination
On the morning of the July 19th, 2023 flood, Debbie Travis and her son awoke to see water rising alarmingly fast in their backyard. Her first thought was to get her granddaughter to safety. It took a mere seven minutes for water to start entering the house. The water rose quickly, destroying everything below shoulder height. Baby toys, furniture, family photos, flooring, doors, and sheetrock were all soaked. They reached out to their insurance company, but without flood insurance, the response was dismissive. Undeterred, they worked tirelessly to salvage whatever they could.
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Finding a place to stay in the aftermath proved their biggest challenge, made more difficult by the need to care for their dogs. The son’s boss paid for their first few nights in a hotel, and the Red Cross extended their stay for a few more nights. Eventually, they found temporary shelter at Camp Graves. Debbie was immensely grateful for the support from several small churches and loyal customers who donated funds and helped tear out the ruined flooring. Although the flood hadn’t affected many households in her area, a few nearby families were hit hard.
The long-term journey to recovery was marked by mental stress and financial strain. Debbie often wondered, “How will we find the time and money?” With limited resources, they took on much of the work themselves, relying on YouTube tutorials to learn home renovation skills. Gradually, they made significant progress.
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Their connection with the Mayfield Graves County Long-Term Recovery Group (MGC LTRG) began through Debbie’s best friend, a tornado survivor from 2021. “The first thing you need to do is contact LTRG,” the friend advised. The MGC LTRG provided a camper, which they parked beside the house, enabling them to work day and night. This arrangement made a huge difference; Camp Graves, though helpful, was too far to allow for consistent daily repairs. The MGC LTRG also provided crucial financial assistance, and many small groups contributed with donations and volunteers, helping them make real strides toward recovery.
The flood changed Debbie’s perspective on life, resilience, and preparedness. She found herself learning new skills on the fly—everything from electrical work to hanging doors and laying floors. She realized they were capable of far more than they had ever imagined and gained a newfound appreciation for their small home. After months of living in a camper with her grandchildren, moving back into the house felt like moving into a mansion. Her family, friends, and the desire to provide a safe space for her grandchildren became her biggest motivations.
Reflecting on her journey, Debbie’s advice for others facing the challenges of a natural disaster is to embrace self-sufficiency: “You are stronger than you think you are.”