A father’s love and faith faced an extreme test when David Jones trekked nearly 30 miles through Hurricane Helene’s aftermath to walk his daughter down the aisle in Johnson City, Tennessee.
David Jones, a 64-year-old business coach from Boiling Springs, South Carolina, found himself in a tough spot when Hurricane Helene hit just before his daughter Elizabeth’s wedding. His usual two-hour drive turned into a 12-hour journey as he fought through dangerous conditions to be there for his daughter.
Jones started his trip on Friday, September 27, after getting his home generator running. As he entered Tennessee, he saw how much damage Helene had caused. The main highway was closed, and police were turning everyone back.
But Jones didn’t give up. He talked to the officer in charge, explaining he needed to get to his daughter’s wedding. Even when told all roads were blocked by floods and broken bridges, Jones made a bold choice. At 2 a.m., with the wedding just 9 hours away, he left his car behind and started walking.
“I’m going to be there to walk her down the aisle,” Jones said. He had only a backpack, shaving kit, and windbreaker. His experience as a marathon runner helped as he walked through the dark night surrounded by destruction.
Jones said it looked like a disaster movie. “The devastation was beyond description,” he remembered. “Roads were washed out, debris was everywhere.” Many state troopers tried to stop him, but Jones kept explaining his mission to each one.
Around 3 a.m., Jones faced a big problem. Trying to go around a huge pile of debris, he sank into mud “like quicksand.” With great effort, he freed himself and even found his lost shoe in the mud. “I knew I couldn’t make it without shoes,” he said.
As morning came, police started talking about Jones’ amazing journey. One trooper who gave him a ride said, “We’re all talking about you – they all said you’re determined.”
Jones kept walking, carrying a red reflector to stay visible to cars. His faith paid off when, about six miles from his goal, someone he knew drove by. An old coworker from Texas Instruments saw Jones and drove him the last eight miles.
Jones got to his friend’s house in Johnson City just in time to change into a spare suit before heading to St. Mary’s Church. The power was out, so they had a candlelit wedding, which turned out to be quite romantic.
“It meant the world,” Jones said about walking Elizabeth down the aisle. “Every dad wants to walk his daughters down the aisle.” He told his story during his wedding toast and gave the newlyweds the reflector that had guided him.
“Keep this reflector to remind you to protect each other, even in dark times,” Jones told Elizabeth and her new husband, Daniel Marquez. “That’s when it’s most needed, like it was for me. And keep being a reflection of God’s goodness, because you are such good people.”
Elizabeth was deeply touched by her father’s efforts. “It’s so moving to know my dad loves me that much, that he’d go through all that to be at my wedding on time,” she said. The next morning, she woke up early, “just praising God that my dad made it and that he’s alive.”
Jones humbly said he “only did what any dad would do,” but his actions show the depth of a parent’s love and the strength we can find in our faith.
We can’t forget the terrible impact of Hurricane Helene. It killed over 100 people and left millions without power across the southeast. In Tennessee alone, it destroyed five bridges and took at least six lives. While we admire Jones’ incredible feat, we must remember those who lost so much in the storm.
Let David Jones’ journey inspire us to face our own challenges with courage. With God’s help, we can overcome even the biggest obstacles. Let’s also pray for those affected by Hurricane Helene and other disasters, asking for comfort and strength as they rebuild their lives.
WATCH: Devoted Dad Walks 30 Miles Through Hurricane Debris to Attend Daughter’s Wedding
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