LIVINGSTON, Texas – A man, his pregnant girlfriend, Nakiyah Youngblood, and her 6-year-old daughter escaped the rushing waters that filled their Livingston home Thursday morning.
“It took us by surprise. I didn’t think it was going to be this bad,” said Brown.
Johnathan Brown said he and his family woke up to high water at their doorstep. Around 5:30 a.m., the water made its way inside their home. He said at one point, it got up to his knees.
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“When I saw the refrigerator floating, I knew it was time to get out,” said Brown.
Fortunately, his neighbors rushed over to help.
“The neighbor ended up coming and knocking on our door and said hey, we saw your water is this high, is there anything we can do to help? We just gave him our daughter, said put her on your back and take her with you, we’re right behind you,” said Youngblood.
The family ended up swimming about 20 feet, finally making it to safety.
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His girlfriend is only five weeks away from her due date. Brown said they immediately went to the hospital, and fortunately, she is OK.
“I broke down in the end. We have a baby on the way, and we just lost everything,” said Brown.
“We just look at it like everything happens for a reason. Maybe this is a minor setback for a major comeback. God is going to bless us through all of this,” said Youngblood.
The family says it is unlikely they will be able to return to the home that they rent. Despite the damage to their home, they are grateful they are safe.