Woman Saves Prized Possessions From Floodwaters

FRANKLIN, Ind. -- Starting over will be difficult for Mary Slavin, 72, but it will be a little easier because she was able to save prized possessions.

Slavin's Franklin home was one of hundreds ravaged by floodwaters Saturday after 11 inches of rain fell in just a few hours.

"We're trying to get the stink out. I got bleach in it," Slavin said, as she wore a surgical mask. "This wasn't the most expensive house, but it is what I could afford."

Mopping the mud off the floors is just the beginning. Six inches of water rushed into Slavin's humble abode. Her kitchen is a wreck, and the bedroom isn't much better.

Slavin's sons and son-in-law are helping with the cleanup, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

"The work is nothing. It's just I hate to see her like that," said John Slavin, Mary's son. "I know my brother got it worse than she did and he's over here helping."

The fact that Mary was able to salvage "Signs and Wonders," her most prized possessions, gave her some solace. The book was written by her great-great-grandmother.

"They meant more to me than these other things," Slavin said. "I could never afford to buy these books now. They are so high-priced. We saw some on eBay for $400 a book."

Slavin's next-door neighbors were also invaded by water, and cleanup fatigue began setting in Tuesday.

"It's been rough getting up at 7 o'clock in the morning and working all day to 11:00 at night, then getting back up and doing it again," said Judy Walsman. "Missing work -- it's been pretty hard."

Walsman's family and friends shuttled salvaged possessions to be placed in storage until they decide where they will move permanently.

Mary Slavin said she considers the flood a crying shame, but said her tears refuse to flow.

"I've held it in so long. If I ever start, it will probably be a week crying," Slavin said. "At least no one was hurt."