Lighting the ASP Journey: Lighting One Home at a Time

Hello readers, and welcome back! Set Up week of ASP’s summer program has swiftly passed by. Now lots of the summer staff are welcoming their first batch of volunteers this week to help lay the groundwork for projects they have chosen and signed to take on this summer. It’s an exciting turning point in the journey of ASP as a lot of the training and preparation is finally coming to tangible fruition. I have personally been waiting for this moment to come, to see what great moments await and to get a first hand experience of ASP’s impact. As summer projects commence, the transformation of lives in Central Appalachia begins now, here at ASP.  

There will be plenty of stories to uncover and interesting developments as the weeks roll on, but today, there’s a story that starts where most of our projects will end this summer that I’d like to share. 

Last week, we visited Jonesborough, Tennessee to witness two great stories. One of those stories is about Mr. Donald Cutshaw, who is in the final stages of having his new home built after surviving Hurricane Helene. While talking to him, he shared how close he came to losing his life, clinging to the side of his porch as the floods rose, moments before his house would be swept away.   

The devastation of this hurricane took many residents by surprise because the area was not known to be a flood zone. What makes this even more unbelievable is that the floods only affected certain parts of the neighborhood. The slightest angle in elevation prevented houses only a couple of hundred yards away from Donald to be left untouched during the storm. 

Donald’s life wasn’t the only miracle that day. His dog, Little Bit, was also fortunate enough to make it out of the flood, even after Don thought he had lost him for good. After the current swept Don and his dog through the front door of the house, there was a neighbor weathering the storm, hanging on the side of Don’s truck, who saw him struggling to hold on with the dog in hand. He suggested floating Little Bit to the truck so he could hold him while Don regained his grip on the side of the house. The idea worked initially, and the dog made it safely into the neighbor’s hands. But after a while, the rushing water became too much.  

“[…] he couldn’t hold on to my dog, so he had to let him go. And I seen my dog go by in the current, and then I figured he was gone.” Don said.  

Don had been holding onto the side of his porch for a very long time during the hurricane and started becoming doubtful he’d make it out. 

“I didn’t know anybody was coming after me. I was getting ready to let go ’cause I was tired.” 

Finally, a swift water rescue boat came to his aid, which he wasn’t even fully aware of at the time. Despite the boat driver’s efforts to pull him to safety, Don was too weak to assist. Just when things seemed hopeless, his dog Little Bit appeared beside him in the water, a moment Don describes as nothing short of a miracle. As soon as he could, Don handed his dog into the boat, grateful they were both alive and safe thanks to the rescuers. 

By the grace of God, Don’s own life was rescued by the same pet he floated to safety earlier. It was an absolute miracle. Overall I was captivated by his story. As he recounted the entire day to me, I was sitting there thinking this man has went through a lot more than I could ever imagine going through in my own life. Even in the face of disaster, he’s still such lighthearted individual that made the most of the situation. Stories like this are what we’re here for. It’s so encouraging to highlight the uplifting triumphs of great people we meet along this incredible journey.  

I had the pleasure of walking around the property with Mr. Donald and listening to some more of his awesome life anecdotes. Since the hurricane, Don has been able to rebuild his garden behind where the house used to be, adding special mementos throughout its various plants and vegetables. As we strolled through the mini garden, he showed me a small structure he built dedicated to his son. Don is a decorated veteran who’s won awards for his service. Don also spends plenty of time with his miracle dog. He does a lot to keep himself as busy as possible.  

“You know, your attitude’s everything, and I guess that’s the Marine in me,” he said. “That’s another reason that I probably survived, you know? Because I am a survivor.” 

Truly, the story of Donald Cutshaw is not only a blessing, but a great reminder and testament to the amazing work ASP is doing.  

This week we set our sights on new counties. Haley and I will continue gathering more stories from these heartwarming homeowners. Many home projects have begun, with eager staff and excited volunteers. I’m so excited to see more great impacts and continue lighting the journey of ASP!   

Until next time readers, 

Josh Adams

Story Gathering Intern