Dear friends, I write to you with a heavy heart as it appears we’re in for some rough days and nights. When I started writing this week’s article, Ike was stumbling around Cuba, and it seemed he would track somewhere other than here. Feeling what has been termed “hurricane fatigue” I wrote a funny little rant about the whole mess we lovingly call hurricane season here on the Gulf Coast. That was on Tuesday.
Today, Thursday (late), I’m hammering this out utterly exhausted. I know many of you are in the same shape. My mental capabilities are stretched, and I’m aching in places I forgot I had. I apologize in advance for what will probably not be my finest literary work. I’m not submitting the funny piece because presently looking down the barrel of a gun isn’t one bit funny. However, I must say, lest I offend you at a later date by using humor at a seemingly inappropriate time, that I’ve got to laugh sometimes to keep from crying. And, I’m one of those people who laugh when afraid or nervous.
The past two days have been a whirlwind of activity, and while we couldn’t be any more prepared, I still have that nagging feeling that I’ll realize I forgot to do something important. My guys have thoroughly prepared the outside by boarding up, and securing everything in the backyard. I took care of the interior. All the supplies are accessible, the tiny room under the stairwell (my junk room) is cleared out and ready for occupants should the need arise. I cleaned, did all the laundry, and cleaned some more, wondering if I was doing it in vain. I bet Ike couldn’t care less if my showers are clean, but it makes me feel better.
I’ve sworn off all media as I can no longer handle the roller-coaster ride. Every time I get an understanding of the implications of where Ike’s going, he changes his mind. I find I’m much calmer not listening to all the “what if” scenarios. I’ll let Jeff handle the information gathering; he seems to process it all matter-of-factly and doesn’t get hung up in any hype.
I’ve also realized that for the most part, what I conjure up happening in my mind is often far worse than what actually occurs. I blame that on watching too much Hurricane Katrina coverage. When I’m not pondering worst-case scenarios, I worry that’ll be when the unimaginable strikes. It is a sickness, and I’m working on a cure.
I’m signing off, and going to try to get a good night’s sleep as I’m hearing tomorrow night is going to be a long, hard one. I hope this finds each and every one of you safe from the battering we’re about to take. I know we’ll all pull through, because I’ve seen over and over what the people of this area are all about. Acts of neighborly kindness and can-do spirit will be alive and well after Ike leaves his mark. We’ll pull together when the chips are down…we always do. Good luck and I’ll see you on the other side.
© 2008 Natalie Whatley
Tags: hurricane season