Another Hurricane Post…

Did I really just make a “go bag?” You know – a bag that you pack with all your important belongings in the event of a situation where you HAVE to leave in a hurry. I’ve been poo-pooing Hurricane Irene ever since my hubby told me last week that I  might have to cancel my little girl’s 2nd birthday because of this hurricane. I’ve seen so many hurricanes and I just didn’t understand the impact this hurricane would have on the city I live in.

So, I went through all the motions without really thinking about how the uncertainty of this weather pattern would affect my family. Like every other fellow city person, I went to the supermarket last night, not totally shocked by empty shelves, and didn’t really think much of stocking up on canned food. I don’t eat much from a can. I’ll be better off with Yodels and Funions.

I contacted our friends and family and asked them to come to the party at 1:30pm, which was originally scheduled at 3:00pm today. The weather was said to get really bad in the evening, so I figured I had enough time to get the party going and have everyone home safe. Then, today I started getting texts of people deciding that the driving conditions may not be too safe and canceling. I get it. I probably wouldn’t go out either – ESPECIALLY with a baby! However, our entire family trooped in, gave my little girl a birthday that hopefully she will remember for the rest of her life, and made it home safely before the rain hit. We even got a visit from Minnie and Mickey!

As soon as the commotion from the party was over, I grabbed all my jewelry, money, and important documents and placed them in a bag. Then it hit me – what if I really did have to evacuate? The mayor already evacuated a nearby town which is only 5-10 miles away. That’s not far at all! What if our home was devastated by flooding? I guess you don’t think about this stuff too much when you aren’t a parent. All my thought’s revolved around my daughter, and whether or not I could keep her safe, comfortable, and fed throughout this hurricane. Then I start to think of all the families that have already been impacted by some sort of natural disaster. You always hear of these stories, and maybe even send donations to help them out – but until you live through what they have gone through, you really cannot connect with them. Now, I am by NO MEANS saying that I know how they feel – but the uncertainty that you feel before the actual event occurs is nerve wracking and stressful.

My cell phone is charged, my go-bag is ready. My garage is already flooded, but I’m hopeful that we can stay here and ride out this storm.