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This story is part of the Pulitzer Center’s nationwide Connected Coastlines reporting initiative. For more information, go to pulitzercenter.org/connected-coastlines.
Thad Todd, 64, and Linda Nelson, 58, had reached a point where they decided to bid farewell to Texas forever. They had grown tired of navigating the flooded roads that led to their residence. Opting for a simpler solution, they resorted to packing backpacks with food and water and trekking through the dense thicket, which was only a mile away.
During Hurricane Harvey, the couple’s old life was swept away by the Trinity River. Unfortunately, subsequent flooding and erosion prevented them from reclaiming it. To adapt, they sold their Ford Mustang Cobra and purchased a 1984 Chevrolet truck. However, the truck’s bearings and seals were damaged by the mud and dirt, prompting them to exchange it for a smaller four-wheel-drive Suzuki Samurai. Eventually, the makeshift trails that replaced the roads became too narrow for the Samurai, leading them to trade it for a four-wheel ATV. Unfortunately, the ATV frequently broke down, leaving them with no choice but to continue on foot.
Todd stated that his next course of action would have been to purchase a horse.
Due to climate change, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as flooding and intense rains, has taken a devastating toll on their once-thriving rural subdivision nestled in the Trinity River bottom. As a result, the area has gradually become abandoned, with the destructive forces of nature triggering a downward spiral that has rendered it almost uninhabitable.
Local interviews reveal that in the past, Sam Houston Lake Estates, a neighborhood located approximately 60 miles northeast of Houston, boasted around 100 inhabited homes. However, in present times, the number has dwindled to less than ten residences.
For over three years, the homes in this neighborhood have been deprived of flowing water. The water company claims it is unable to access the area to maintain its well due to vehicle constraints. Furthermore, first responders refuse to venture into the neighborhood’s narrow bridge and deteriorated dirt roads.
Residents must either drive or physically carry their neighbors out of the woods to seek medical assistance when they are sick or injured.
Former residents of this river bottom have reported frequent flooding in the past, but the severity has noticeably increased over the last decade. Experts suggest that climate change is likely responsible for intensifying the flooding and hastening erosion.
According to Jonathan Phillips, a retired geography professor from the University of Kentucky who extensively researched the Trinity River, climate change poses a significant problem as it leads to increased instances of flooding. This, in turn, causes erosion in rivers, thereby posing a threat to residences in close proximity.
Living here used to be effortless, but now it has become challenging, causing individuals like Todd and Nelson to relocate.
Communities worldwide are facing numerous challenges like stronger storms, disappearing coastlines, deeper droughts, extreme heat, and more devastating fires. Sam Houston Lake Estates serves as a prime illustration of this global problem.
It’s notoriously difficult to track the number of “climate migrants” — people who are forced to abandon their homes due to the effects of climate change — and estimates vary. But an experimental survey by the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that around 3 million adults were displaced by a climate or weather disaster, mostly hurricanes or fires, within the last year.
The survey suggests that every year, natural disasters are causing displacement for approximately 200,000 to 300,000 Texans.
Floods, whether brought by stronger hurricanes or more intense rain, are expected to be among the most devastating impacts of climate change on Texans, according to the National Climate Assessment. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 was the most significant tropical cyclone rainfall event recorded in U.S. history and caused $125 billion in damage.
Nearly 6 million Texans — about 20% of the state population — now live in an area susceptible to flooding, according to the state’s first detailed analysis of the problem reported this year. Yet only about 753,000 homes, or 14% of Texas homeowners, are covered by flood insurance, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.
The state’s water agency approximates that over 500,000 individuals reside within the Trinity River watershed, specifically in floodplains that are susceptible to flooding either once in a century or once in five centuries, with an annual flood risk of 1% or 0.2% respectively.
Across the U.S., the federal government has turned to voluntary buyout programs to encourage “managed retreat” from areas that are repeatedly struck by natural disasters. Managed retreat can also include the government forcing residents out by seizing their property through eminent domain. In Harris County, which includes Houston, eminent domain has been used to seize land for flood control projects since at least the 1920s.
Yet state data shows that the money earmarked for buyouts pales in comparison to the number of homes at risk. When Texas received more than $5 billion in federal disaster recovery funds after Hurricane Harvey, the state allocated $189 million for buyouts or land acquisitions in the affected counties — excluding Houston and Harris County, which managed their own $56 million and $194 million buyout programs, respectively.
The state initially projected that the buyout funds would be sufficient to purchase slightly over 1,000 homes in the remaining 37 counties that submitted applications. However, subsequent estimates provided by the counties revealed that the actual number was closer to 500, indicating that the initial estimate was overly optimistic.
According to a spokesperson, the General Land Office lacks data on the total number of properties that were eligible for buyouts.
Ultimately, a mere 336 homeowners residing outside of Houston chose to submit a buyout application. Nearly all of these applications were granted, with less than 20 being approved in Liberty County. Remarkably, the average buyout offer extended in this county has amounted to less than $60,000, which represents approximately a quarter of the average house price in the area.
Liberty County Commissioner Greg Arthur stated that it would be difficult to find another house in a different location, given the amount of money they are receiving.
However, in Sam Houston Lake Estates, the progress has come to a complete halt. Due to the inability to safely transport demolition equipment required by the federal government to tear down the flood-damaged homes, the county’s grant manager has made the decision to pause buyouts in the neighborhood.
Todd and Nelson find themselves in a situation where they have lost faith in receiving the financial assistance they were assured of. As a result, they have no choice but to give up their property and begin anew with nothing.
Six years in the past, Todd made the decision to gather food, four dogs, and a bird named Sidney and evacuate from the escalating floodwaters caused by Harvey, which were causing the Trinity River to overflow. Using a canoe as their means of escape, Todd embarked on this journey. Unfortunately, he found himself trapped on the second floor of a neighbor’s house for three days. Despite facing this challenging situation, Todd found solace in the fact that his wife was safely visiting family in Oklahoma. Regrettably, one of their beloved dogs did not survive this ordeal.
The one-bedroom house that Todd had dedicated years to constructing was engulfed by a torrent of five feet of water. In this devastating event, they tragically lost a significant portion of their possessions, including Nelson’s treasured photo albums from his childhood.
The federal government extended a financial offer to assist them in rebuilding, however, they turned it down. The extensive damage to their house made the repairs seem unjustifiable, and they were exhausted from enduring repeated flooding post-Harvey. Their desire to relocate was strong, but unfortunately, they lacked the necessary funds. In essence, they were the ideal candidates for a buyout.
In 2019, when a local buyout program became available, they promptly submitted their application. Subsequently, they patiently resided in a fifth-wheel trailer adjacent to their decaying residence, awaiting a response.
Todd reflected, “Our journey has been an intense rollercoaster ride, from the depths of hell to the pinnacle of chaos. And the madness still persists.”
In June 2021, Nelson experienced a heart attack. Realizing that an ambulance wouldn’t be able to reach her, she sought help from a neighbor who located someone with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Together, they navigated through the woods and swiftly transported her to the hospital, arriving just in the nick of time.
However, this realization prompted both her and her husband to understand that they could no longer delay the buyout.
A month later, they left everything.
“It was nothing like this”
As you approach Sam Houston Lake Estates, you will notice various advertisements promoting catfish and signs enticing homeowners with the promise of immediate cash. The transition from smooth, paved farm-to-market roads to dusty dirt paths is accompanied by tree branches that create a tunnel-like effect, enclosing the surroundings.
In the neighborhood, houses are sparsely spread across plots of land that were once covered in thick forest. Close by, a community center that used to be buzzing with lively dance nights now stands as a dilapidated metal structure, with more open space than actual walls. The locals caution newcomers to avoid walking on the grass and to be wary of encounters with snakes, alligators, and wild boars.
During the dry spell of late summer, Marvin Stovall, a skilled road foreman working for Liberty County Precinct 2, expertly maneuvered his white pickup truck along the parched dirt roads. Despite the presence of treacherous potholes, obstructing tree branches, and piles of hardened soil, Marvin cautiously made his way towards the rear of the neighborhood, eventually reaching the Trinity River. A majority of the houses he encountered seemed neglected, bearing the marks of previous floods and displaying signs of decay.
Stovall reminisced about the past, expressing, “During my younger years, these houses used to be incredibly splendid.” Being raised in Liberty County, he fondly recalls his frequent visits to the dance hall during the 1970s.
As he passed one deserted residence after another, he remarked, “This was all incredibly beautiful, unlike what it appears now.”
Sixty years ago, a farmer named Barney Wiggins began to buy this land in the Trinity River bottom. Wiggins, who’d had seven failed crops in six years, according to an obituary for his wife, Bonnie, turned to the real estate business to make a living. He began purchasing and developing land throughout Southeast Texas, advertising cheap rural lots to Houston residents.
Wiggins employed less-than-reputable business practices, such as allowing property owners to swap lots and immediately voiding deeds so he could resell the lots if an owner missed a payment, according to court records. Occasionally, the same lot was accidentally sold to two purchasers.
Sam Houston Lake Estates, a sprawling Wiggins development spanning 837 acres, emerged on the east side of the river. As part of this venture, lakes were meticulously stocked with bass and catfish, adding to the allure of the area. A 2-mile road was initially carved out and subsequently enhanced with loads of iron ore, while shorter dirt roads interconnected the one-acre plots scattered across the subdivision. In due course, electricity and water services were introduced, courtesy of rural utility companies. However, the absence of sewer lines and garbage collection services remained conspicuous. Although the property owners association was purportedly entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the roads, a seasoned resident dismissed this notion as nothing more than a farce – a convenient ploy for Wiggins to absolve himself of accountability.
At present, a portion of the residences are inhabited by squatters, while others remain deserted and vacant, having been stripped of their belongings by thieves. A small number serve as weekend retreats. In the area nearest to the river, only a few houses are still occupied by their owners.
Kenneth Brister, 77, has resided on the riverbank for slightly over ten years in a single-story wooden house. The house, with its faded red paint and signs of decay, stands out amongst the others. Despite the persistent rumors of buyouts for nearly the entire duration of his stay, Kenneth remains firm in his decision to decline any such offers.
“Having endured this long in my home,” Brister declared, “I shall remain steadfast until my last breath.”
Brister and other residents in the area still have access to electricity, but unfortunately, the water lines have been dysfunctional since 2019. This inconvenience arose when the Lake Livingston Water Supply Corporation received numerous calls reporting road washouts, preventing their operators from reaching the well for maintenance. As a solution, the company ceased charging customers for water and instead provided a small, dark-green water tank near the mailboxes, which is located approximately three miles away from Brister’s residence.
Last year, the company told the state it wanted to cease that service too, but the Public Utility Commission ordered them to continue.
The county had previously considered assuming responsibility for the subdivision’s road maintenance. However, an agreement never came to fruition as the county insisted that the roads must first comply with county codes. Unfortunately, the residents were unable to gather sufficient funds to address the necessary repairs.
When the weather permits, Brister uses his all-terrain vehicle to transport essentials. However, if conditions are unfavorable, he prefers to walk. He only brings the ATV to his residence when the possibility of flooding is minimal; otherwise, he parks it close to the mailboxes.
Comparing it to gambling, Brister expressed the idea of having the opportunity to manipulate the weather.
According to researchers, voluntary buyouts often require years to execute and frequently do not succeed in fully relocating the entire community away from danger. Consequently, these buyout programs can result in the creation of deserted neighborhoods with diminished services and resources compared to their pre-buyout state.
According to Chris Hilson, director of the Reading Centre for Climate and Justice, achieving a critical mass is essential for relocation in cases of climate displacement. If people relocate gradually, the buyout program will disrupt the tightly knit community fabric that neighbors have built together. This, in turn, leads to a decline in business investments in the area and a reduction in government services. Additionally, the homes that remain could easily be vulnerable to future flooding events.
According to Hilson, persuading individuals to relocate presents a significant obstacle as they often find the buyout compensation insufficient for purchasing or renting alternative accommodations. Additionally, residents’ emotional connection to the area often leads them to underestimate the potential risks posed by climate disasters.
He mentioned that it becomes a significant aspect of their identity.
According to A.R. Siders, an assistant professor at the University of Delaware and member of the university’s Disaster Research Center, buyout programs are designed to include safeguards that prevent local governments from eliminating essential services. However, the practicality of allocating tax funds to areas with decreasing populations becomes less viable. Additionally, government officials are reluctant to infringe upon individuals’ property rights by compelling them to evacuate.
Siders, a prominent researcher on managed retreat, pointed out that the concept of individual property rights erroneously assumes that homes exist in isolation. However, this is far from the truth. Siders emphasized the interdependence between homes and various government systems such as roads, water services, septic systems, and emergency services.
Arthur, the Liberty County commissioner representing Sam Houston Lake Estates, acknowledged that the desires of the longstanding residents, such as reliable roads, assistance in raising their homes above floodwaters, and convenient access to clean water, are beyond the capabilities of a small county with limited financial resources.
Arthur expressed his longing for various activities that he wished they could engage in, but unfortunately, they were not feasible. “I am unable to allocate county funds for private road projects,” Arthur explained. “Although I genuinely wish we could, there are legal regulations that we must adhere to.”
Life in the bottoms
Several individuals chose to abandon their homes, which had been damaged by the flood, in favor of renting mobile homes that were located nearer to essential amenities such as mailboxes, water tank, and a well-maintained road by the river.
At the age of 65, Tina Cutsinger decided to exchange her previous house and property with a neighbor in return for a dependable truck. Following this, she relocated to a rented mobile home situated near the entrance of the community. Tina firmly believes that neither she nor her neighbors require any kind of buyouts, as she has been informed that the monetary compensation provided would be insufficient to purchase a new residence elsewhere.
“We’re well aware that if another flood occurs, we’ll likely be affected once more,” she remarked.
However, she emphasized, “Our financial situation does not allow us to reside elsewhere. We are completely broke.”
Residents of Sam Houston Lake Estates, feeling unsupported by the government, have taken it upon themselves to support and guide each other through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Edward Gibson, a 68-year-old resident residing in the foremost house of the neighborhood, dedicated years of effort to using his tractor in order to repair the potholes on the roads at the rear end of the community. Unfortunately, despite his persistent attempts, each time he managed to fix them, the river would subsequently cause the damage to resurface.
He stated that it simply wasn’t going to occur.
Fred Boyum, a 53-year-old local resident, shared that in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, he took it upon himself to deliver groceries to his friends who were unable to navigate the journey in and out of the neighborhood. Equipped with a weathered Army backpack filled with essential items such as water, food, and medical supplies, he trekked approximately two miles to their homes. As a token of gratitude, his friends typically compensated him with a six-pack of beer, according to Fred.
His mind was always preoccupied with concerns about neighbors facing medical issues.
Boyum stated that he feels content when his close friends have to depart, as he believes it is in their best interest. He described this sentiment as a mixture of both satisfaction and a tinge of melancholy.
According to Arthur, the foremost concern for the county in this area is medical emergencies.
According to him, a couple of years ago, Liberty County acquired two military-grade trucks from a government auction, which are capable of maneuvering through various terrains and rescuing residents in times of emergency. However, he acknowledges that this is not a sustainable solution and expresses his intention to purchase properties from as many residents as feasible along the river bottom.
He expressed his hope for individuals to escape such situations, emphasizing that being unable to enter or exit was a matter of health and safety.
Linda Nelson is well aware of this fact more than anyone else. On a June morning in 2021, she woke up feeling unwell. Although Todd suggested staying home with her, she declined his offer and encouraged him to go to work.
She had a heart attack while he was 50 miles away.
She expressed gratitude towards the neighbors who rushed her to the hospital, acknowledging that without them, she believed she wouldn’t have survived. Her hospital stay lasted for a duration of four days, and subsequent to that, a noticeable shift occurred in her circumstances.
She expressed her concern, questioning, “If I have another one, will I be able to leave this place?”
“After Nelson returned from the hospital, Todd said, ‘That was the final straw.’ A few days later, while at work, he called her and asked, ‘Would you like to escape from this place?'”
They started packing for Oklahoma.
Bought out
The process is perceived as long and arduous, even by those who received the buyout money.
For instance, Robert and Jinelle “Linda” Lawrence continue to long for the life they built at Sam Houston Lake Estates. Their days were filled with the noble pursuit of rescuing numerous stray dogs and cats that roamed the tranquil countryside.
During Hurricane Harvey, they delayed their evacuation as much as possible because they couldn’t bear to abandon their animals, which included two horses. In the following four days, they braved chest-high water to deliver cat and dog food.
After the horses were saved by dedicated volunteers, it was discovered that one of them had developed a condition known as “river rot” in its hooves. The veterinarian assured the Lawrences that the horse would eventually heal, but this situation compelled them to face a harsh truth: residing in a floodplain posed significant risks not only for their beloved horses but also for themselves. Financially depleted and residing in their son’s residence, they made the difficult decision to give up their animals, desperately requesting that they be relocated to a safer place far from the vulnerable river bottom.
Afterwards, they have managed to survive by purchasing essential items from flea markets in order to furnish their trailer home in Cleveland. The trailer is located just a short 10-minute drive away from their previous house, now residing on a section of their son’s property. The majority of their buyout funds were allocated towards purchasing the land, while the trailer was acquired through installment payments.
Jinelle Lawrence, aged 70, expressed her surprise at finding herself living in a trailer home again.
Having the additional $15,000 that was initially promised by the county would be beneficial for them. However, their grant manager informed them that they do not meet the eligibility criteria since they purchased the trailer and the land separately.
Liberty County received $6.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund its housing buyout program. Harvey flooded more than 5,000 homes in the county in 2017, and 70% of the money was earmarked for low-to-moderate income households. Only about 50 offers have been made, almost all to residents living close to the river, according to data provided by GrantWorks, the company managing the program, and 17 buyouts have been completed.
According to Tyler Smith, the grant program manager, the application deadline is in October, but the company has not received any new applications for several months. Although the maximum buyout offer for a single-family home is technically $331,770, the county typically offers much lower amounts, ranging from approximately $20,000 to $180,000, as stated by Smith.
In Liberty County, the median home price stands at $224,000, while the average offer amounts to $58,000.
According to documents, the Lawrences received a total payment of $19,700 for the lake house they resided in from 1997 to 2017. This amount included a moving stipend of approximately $5,000. Surprisingly, despite the house being appraised at $39,700, the final offer was reduced by half after accounting for back taxes and an insurance claim related to Hurricane Harvey.
Robert Lawrence, aged 71 and retired, expressed his sentiment, stating, “I believe we have been treated unfairly. However, since it is the government involved, there seems to be no course of action available to us.”
According to Smith, homeowners are provided with pre-storm value offers for their property. Upon acceptance of the offer, the government is responsible for demolishing the structure and implementing a deed restriction to guarantee the property remains open space indefinitely. The ultimate goal is for the land to be restored to its natural state.
The Lawrences have been waiting for over six months for a check, however, their old house is yet to be demolished.
Jinelle Lawrence expressed her main reason for agreeing to the buyout – the assurance that the property would be flattened. She emphasized her concern for the safety of potential occupants and her desire to prevent any accidents or injuries.
Smith expressed their frustration in not being able to find a solution for transporting the required equipment to demolish certain homes in Sam Houston Lakes. The inability to tear down these homes puts the county at risk of violating the conditions set by the federal funding. Smith mentioned that although six homes in the neighborhood meet the criteria for a buyout, their remote location makes demolition unfeasible.
Todd and Nelson’s home is one of those affected. In contrast to the Lawrences, they did not receive the expected buyout funds as the grant managers recognized the predicament and halted the process. Consequently, Todd and Nelson are compelled to continue paying property taxes for a home they were obliged to leave behind, while these taxes continue to escalate annually in Liberty County.
“They were supposed to pay us a while back,” Nelson expressed, highlighting how their property taxes skyrocketed to $3,000 this year compared to the previous years’ amount of about $600. “They haven’t kept their promises.”
According to Smith, GrantWorks intends to recruit contractors for the construction of a temporary road, enabling them to demolish the houses. Currently, the proposal is undergoing an environmental assessment. The exact timeline for the demolitions remains uncertain, but Smith expressed optimism about completing them at some point within this year.
Smith, with over ten years of experience in disaster recovery housing, expressed that he has never come across a situation like this before.
Smith stated that individuals who possess homes damaged by Harvey to the extent that there is no longer a road leading to their residence should be considered as the perfect candidates for a buyout. He emphasized that this issue is of significant concern.
Smith expressed his belief that living in that place was not advisable. He further emphasized that the absence of any dwelling would be the preferable scenario.
Up the river
Ray and Shirley Tarver, a couple in their 60s, are experiencing a sense of captivity within their own residence, located approximately five miles upstream from Sam Houston Lake Estates. Several months ago, Ray diligently packed a trailer with their belongings, anticipating a buyout. However, their plans have been hindered by a legal dispute involving Shirley’s deceased sister’s husband, who is currently incarcerated and has yet to consent to selling the property.
Ray Tarver explained that if the guy in question were to sign the paper, it would likely result in us selling out by next week. He further emphasized that the team is currently idle, anticipating a buyout and eagerly awaiting the necessary signature.
The Tarvers reside in a neighborhood known as New River Lake Estates, characterized by easily navigable roads and functioning water lines. However, the path leading to this neighborhood closely follows the Trinity River, which gradually erodes more land each year. In the event of flooding, the sole means of escape is through the use of boats.
The ranch-style home and land that Shirley’s grandmother purchased in the late 1960s were offered $170,000 by Liberty County. After being passed down to her children, Shirley acquired the property from her father and has resided there for three decades.
Shirley Tarver questioned, “Consider this perspective: What if there’s a flood and they force everyone to relocate, without even granting you that?”
Despite consulting with attorneys, sending letters, and having numerous phone calls with their buyout program manager, the Tarvers are beginning to doubt their chances of ever receiving the money. Nevertheless, they still intend to relocate to Hancock County, Mississippi, where Ray’s family resides, if their financial situation improves.
Shirley Tarver stated that she was approaching a stage where she was inclined to declare, “Forget it, I’m simply going to remain here.”
The Tarvers are currently searching for an escape route, while in the nearby neighborhood, a new family has settled in since Hurricane Harvey. Hector Torres Vasquez, aged 48, reveals that he purchased his property in New River Lake Estates in 2019 with the intention of moving his auto shop from Houston to a more peaceful location. Unfortunately, he was unaware of the existence of the buyout program.
When the incentives provided for relocation are insufficient, situations like people moving in while the government struggles (and frequently fails) to move people out, as explained by Katharine Mach, a University of Miami professor specialized in managed retreat, become quite common.
Experts said that due to its high cost and lack of political support, it is uncommon for the government to resort to eminent domain in order to condemn private property and relocate individuals from areas impacted by climate disasters.
Scientists are currently investigating fresh approaches to persuade individuals to evacuate areas at high risk of disasters and circumvent the bureaucratic obstacles faced by homeowners residing in the Trinity River bottom. Siders, from the University of Delaware, suggests that governments could propose residents an alternative compensation not based on the value of their property but rather on the cost of similar housing in close proximity.
Despite increased attention from local governments, researchers, and nonprofits on finding innovative approaches to “manage retreat” in response to climate change, experts emphasize the ongoing challenges associated with implementing effective strategies in this area.
Mach explained that there is a significant cognitive disconnect between the occurrence of a flood and the eventual buyout, which typically takes place five or 14 years later, due to funding being linked to post-disaster funds, as has been the case for almost all federally funded buyouts.
“I’ll make a home”
Linda Nelson’s aunt resides in a charming ranch-style residence, situated on a spacious plot of land just south of Warner, Oklahoma. She generously allows Nelson and Todd to park their travel trailer on her property.
Nelson grew up in the Cherokee Nation, residing approximately 10 miles away from the closest major river. Their place is conveniently situated along a smooth dirt road, devoid of any potholes. It was here that Nelson and Todd crossed paths over four decades ago. Linda was merely 14 years old at the time, while Thad was 21, employed at an iron and metal recycling facility.
Nelson, on the record, stated, “Even at that time, I didn’t have any liking towards him.”
Their love didn’t blossom until many years had passed, when Nelson had already tied the knot and gone through a divorce, while Todd was residing in Texas for professional reasons. It was on a fateful day when Todd expressed his curiosity about his former acquaintances in Oklahoma, particularly a certain girl he had once crossed paths with.
After driving all the way to Oklahoma, he arrived at her mother’s house. A woman with vibrant red hair rushed towards him, tightly embracing his neck while shedding tears. Utterly bewildered, all he managed to ask was, “Who is this?” It had been 16 long years since he last saw her.
“After that,” recounted Nelson, a natural brunette, “our paths intertwined and one thing effortlessly led to another.”
She decided to move to Texas in 2000 to be with Todd. Eight years later, they purchased a property close to the Trinity River, which included a small lake house that Todd skillfully renovated.
After twenty years, they made their way back to Muskogee County, their hearts heavy from Nelson’s heart attack and with only a small trailer carrying their belongings.
One of my family members inquired about borrowing a basic 30-foot travel trailer temporarily until they could stabilize their situation, or until they received the $51,000 from Texas to purchase a better one.
“I declared, ‘I’ll transform it into a home,'” Todd expressed, “and presently, I’m diligently working towards that goal.”
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