On February 24, 1986, Michael Kline interviewed Dr. Susan Schmitt for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Schmitt reflects on her experience practicing medicine in rural Africa, emphasizing the differences and similarities in family structures between Africa and the United States, especially regarding the lack of child abuse and close family dynamics in Africa. She describes how these experiences shaped her perceptions, particularly her frustration with attitudes toward immunization in the U.S. Upon returning to West Virginia, Schmitt became involved in addressing the aftermath of the Tucker County flood. She discusses the impact of the disaster on local communities, emphasizing the resilience of residents, especially older individuals who faced losing their homes, possessions, and, in some cases, their loved ones. Schmitt details the physical and emotional toll of the flood, noting the long-term effects on mental and physical health, as well as the community's efforts to provide mutual aid. Her account also includes reflections on the broader implications of the flood, such as the temporary nature of human constructions in the face of natural disasters and the enduring strength of community solidarity.