“A week ago, it all seemed so secure. So settled.” ― Anthony Doerr

I was able to meet with my Sunday School class yesterday and catch up on who’s got power and when. A week later and not everyone is back to normal. It’s Monday,  a week and a day since Hurricane Beryl unexpectedly swerved over Houston, leaning west. The eastern side of hurricanes is what they call the “dirty” side because it brings most of the wind, rain and damage. That means Houston got it anyway. In my neck of the woods there are still homes and businesses without electricity. Mine came back on Thursday evening. I was captured on the parking lot camera at the Kroger in Rosenberg Texas dancing a jig when I got the news.

During that almost week of misery, here are some observations:

• I think you can measure the degree of disaster that people are feeling by counting the number who are at the grocery store not wearing a shirt.
• For years we’ve been talking about disaster shoppers cleaning out the store shelves of all the bread and toilet paper. Last disaster I couldn’t find any macaroni? This time I surveyed the checkout staff and learned that an unusually large number of people were buying digestive medicines, wet wipes and olives??
• As the week with no power crawled on, there was a great need for ice. Late one evening I was at the store (cooling off) and got caught up in the rush to grab a bag. I didn’t know what I was going to do with it, but it just seemed like the thing to grab at that moment.
• I spent a lot of time in my vehicle, charging up the phone, looking for gas and staying cool. Most afternoons I went to the movies. Our theater is on the same power grid as the hospital across the street – so it never lost electricity. The next time I move…
• Everyone needed some help. Most of us didn’t have a way to help, we were all in the same boat. Having people check in on me before, during and after was invaluable – lifesavers! Even if someone doesn’t need what you’re offering, the fact that you thought of them and reached out becomes the big deal they won’t forget. It’s an example as well.
• My friends provided me with a battery pack and fan to get me through the hot nights. At first I didn’t think I’d need it. Boy, was I wrong. Mostly, I think I needed people who demonstrated their concern. We all need that.
• I saw several examples of power cords stretched across streets that divided the have’s from the have not’s. AC is a civilization changing invention like iron, the wheel and penicillin. But it has also driven us all inside and away from people who live just yards away.
• I was wondering where the birds go during storms like this. Then I realized (wished) as I was standing in the back, surveying the damage, I think the mosquitos may have been blown out to sea. Research seems to indicate birds and bug get into the eye of the storm and ride with it. Maybe they’re not out to sea, but in Arkansas?
• The street I live on is a small cul-de-sac of eight houses. Mine is now the only one surrounded by debris. My yard guys are obviously behind schedule. The peer pressure I’m feeling is enormous.
• All my refrigerator/freezer contents had to be pitched. As I pulled items from my freezer I kept saying out loud, “I didn’t know I had that in there!” I don’t need to throw out my ketchup do I?
• The common of experience of preparing for and weathering Hurricane Beryl brought us all together. Checking up on each other and helping was the next stage of bonding that I experienced. As much as I complain about cell phones, they kept us connected during these powerless days. What’s now got us all organized into a mob of sorts is anger about how long it took (and is taking) to get power restored. It’s amazing the force that a common enemy has in pulling and sticking varied groups of strangers together.
• At the same time, I must point out the numerous examples of citizens banding together to be supportive of the work crews here helping us get back on our feet. From providing meals, washing clothes and messages of thanks, the city is thankful to the working men and women trying to bring us back to normal.

“Some people can find peace in the middle of a hurricane; that’s the person I’m striving to be.” ― Stephen F. Campbell