The Ohio County Family Resource Network gave Ohio County flood victims a wonderful gift for the holidays — the chance to come together and talk.

The organization hosted a gathering at the Valley Grove Volunteer Fire Department as a way for victims to just sit down and discuss what they’ve gone through over the past six months. For some, it’s really the first time they’ve been comfortable in talking about what they’ve witnessed and what they’ve experienced.

It wasn’t just the opportunity to talk to each other. A grief counselor also was on site for anyone who needed help.

This event was an important step in the recovery process for many. It’s not good to keep anxieties and frustrations bottled up for long. This was the opportunity for people to relieve some of those burdens from their shoulders so they can solider on in rebuilding their lives.

Hopefully, this won’t be a one-time occurrence. Events like this on a more regular basis would be great for flood victims to check in with each other, to offer support and to let each other know that they’re not alone in this.