My neighbors are the most precious people in the world. They may be men, women, boys or girls, But they will stand out like a bright flag unfurled.

They are always there in time of need, Always ready to do a good deed, Always help you in life to succeed.

And when you think no one will care Your neighbors will let you know they are there. They are with you in the darkest night They’ll pray & guide you through the tunnel to the light.

I could search the world and never could find, No better neighbors than mine.

—Unsolicited poem by Esta Cochran, flood survivor and lifelong resident of Buffalo Creek