After The Storm
It's over.
The storm is gone.
Surely, it was a test of our mettle, much worse in some areas than in others.
When the hurricane spares one area, it unleashes its' fury upon another.
My heart goes out to those so profoundly affected by Irma, some of whom lost their lives.
Others lost their homes and all of their possessions...their previous existences changed forever.
I like this one. Standing up to the devil...becoming the storm. It is empowering, is it not?
In truth, living through Mother Nature's power is a humbling experience, but a stubbornness in me likes the idea of me as the storm!
Of course, we did what we needed to do to prepare.
For me, that meant two full days of boarding up windows, clearing half an acre of anything that might become a deadly missile in high winds, and preparing my home inside, in case the storm gained entry.
We learned what possessions were most important. Those few things went with me when I was forced to flee the storm. Things that are irreplaceable.
Afterwards, more than three days of taking down boards, clearing a mass of debris, and chainsawing limbs too big to drag out of the yard. Hauling everything back out and putting it in its' place. Lots of raking and uncountable wheelbarrow loads.
Loss of power, no TV, phone, or internet. How spoiled we become, in our day-to-day lives. That becomes clear, when it is all suddenly taken away.
Helping neighbors who need help.
Getting back to normal.
Maybe even better than normal.
Today, my hands, my back, my neck and shoulders are sore beyond belief.
Though a small, shelled area still needs to have debris blown out, and a few potted plants relocated, it will wait till the weekend.
Today, I need to rest and recuperate.
Recent Comments
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Firstly Rick, I am just glad to know that you are ok and that it has all passed now. I can imagine though how hard it must have been to decide what matters the most to you that you are going to make sure you take with you when the time comes for you to flee as you said.
Thankfully, you were able to come back to your own house, it must have been so hard for people who came back to find their homes had been destroyed.
You have done so well with your clean up over the last couple of days and I am not surprised you are sore all over. If I could have helped you, I most certainly would have.
Hopefully by now you have your power or your tv back on at least and you can relax. Have a nice chilled beer if you can. I hope your neighbour that you helped back into the house was ok as well.
I love that quote about the devil and can just see you being the storm lol.
Have a nice relaxing day Rick. xxxx
Thank you, Cheryl. One of the hardest things was driving carefully home, through all the debris, not knowing whether my home would still be there. I appreciate your support! :)
I can imagine your heart would be in your mouth wondering what was waiting for you. You know you always have my support Rick. Xx
Your ability to tell s story is remarkable. Thank you for telling us your story after the storm.
You write in a manner that allows the reader the chance to play a mental movie.
So while mentally watching you restore decorum to your home and property, it was easy to understand your exhaustion, your relief and your transformed self.
It is good to know you are okay.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
Susan
Loved this!!
Take today and re-coop. God knows that you need it. So thankful that you were spared the worst of Irma, and glad to see you back at WA!!
P.S. I love the graphics!!
T
Mother nature can be devastating harsh and incomparably sweet, and everything in between.
Glad you are a survivor and are able to experience everything in between.
Thank God for you are one among the plenty who were spared and life continues. That's another blessing to celebrate.
I am so glad that you and your family are safe and recuperating from the storm. I was in a few Tornados as a child and remember the destruction and fear that came along with it. I now live in Southern California where we get very little strong storms. We have other problems like drought and fires. Which are easier to control than a Hurricane or Tornado.
This shows how fragile life is and how our stuff can be here today and gone tomorrow.
We can use this as a real learning experience.
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A wonderful way to express such a traumatic experience.
Thank you, Tania! :)