The Storm

Epic storms come infrequently, often no more than once in a lifetime.  We've experienced such a storm these past few days here in the United States.  Superstorm Sandy, which began as a tropical depression that dumped rain in the islands south of Florida, has left its mark on the landscape, destroyed homes, stolen lives, and forever altered the thinking that a storm of that proportion could never happen. 

My husband Bob and I were in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from last Friday through Sunday, October 26 -28, for Bob to compete with his chorus in the Carolinas District Barbershop Contest.  We stayed at the house of some friends and had a 25-minute drive to the hotel where the contest was being held.  When we drove from Durham to Myrtle Beach on Friday, hazy sunshine allowed the temperatures to climb near 80 degrees, but on our trip home from the contest late Friday evening, very light rain began to fall.  Saturday brought breezy conditions and rain, but nothing that was exceptional.  As we returned to the final session of the contest, the rain abated, but the breezy conditions remained. 

We had thought that we'd have to drive home in heavy rain, but the storm held off the coast of North Carolina and kept the rain on its shores, pounding and tearing at the beaches and Outer Banks.  Expected rain at our house did not materialize.  As we watched the news and weather at home, the storm grew in intensity and crawled up the East coast, rearranging dunes and pushing water where it didn't belong.  Monday evening the storm, which had hurricane status, made landfall in New Jersey.  The damage done by wind and water won't be fully documented for months.  New York City and Connecticut also received heavy damage, especially from the storm surge.

As the storm pounded the country, I wondered how my brother in West Virginia was faring.  Sonny and Steph had moved to Harper's Ferry last summer from Alaska.  We'd planned a family gathering of sorts for this coming weekend, and it was in jeopardy if they were to lose power.  During the past few days, I spoke with them several times, and God spared them the storm's brutality.  They didn't even lose power, so our visit to their home this weekend is still on the calendar.  My sister in Florida is joining us.  Her long drive tomorrow will result in an overnight stay with us before she continues to Harper's Ferry on Thursday.  We will travel there on Friday and return on Monday.  My sister is retired and can stay longer than we can.  I have only 1047 days until retirement, but who's counting!

So our trip hasn't been cancelled due to the storm.  We are praying for all those affected by this superstorm, as it is being called, for those who have lost loved ones, and for those who've lost their homes.  Events like this remind us of our own blessings and make us even more grateful for a roof over our heads and food on the table.  Everyone who is so fortunate should do the same.