Most of us have grown accustomed to the finer things in life. When we don't have them, they are really missed.
As night decended, we were engulfed
in total darkess. A supper of cold chicken and bicuits filled our empty stomachs. There was no electricty, no phones or running water. We lit our kerosene lamp and used flash lights. Most of our perishable items were put on ice in a large cooler. All the windows in our home were open, a lite breeze coursed through the hot humid house. We pulled a mattress onto the back lanai and slept there . It was definately cooler, than inside.
When the sun rose the next morning, we got up early. Fresh coffee heated on the grill started our day. We took video pictures of the damage, checked on family and friends in the immediate neighborhood,and then began dragging splintered trees to the road side. We were overwhelmed by the enormaity of the task before us. We had time tho, lots of time to complete it, so we plugged along as best we could. Our above ground pool offered respite from the heat and we'd frequently jump in.
A tornado had gone through the pine forest in our back yard, leaving hellish damage from its path. It was quiet, no cars came by. Broken trees still lay in the road. We were alone, isolated, but united in spirit.
A FINE WORK, MARY GRACE. SO INSPIRATIONAL! PEOPLE MAY NOT BE EXPERIENCING ACTUAL TORNADOS... BUT EMOTIONAL ONES. THIS SHORT STORY LEADS ONE TO 'GO THROUGH IT'...WITH WHATEVER RESOURCES ONE HAS...AND WAIT FOR 'MORNING'S LIGHT'. AMEN. ENJOYED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS
i've never experienced a hurricane, however I did ride out the big Northridge, CA earthquake in 1990, as I read your wonderful descriptive of Charley I was able to recall many similar sensations "isolated and united"...thanks
