Return to Normalcy

Hurricane Ike powered through and left a swath of devastation. Thankfully, we were extremely lucky having only minor damage to fences -- due to the neighbor's trees falling into our yard -- and lots of debris left behind.

Our power was restored last night about 10 pm and you could hear shouts of joy throughout our neighborhood! It is amazing how much everyone depends on power! We were being told it would be 3-4 weeks before The Woodlands would have power. This morning as I was able to watch the news and get on the computer, I was able to see the devastation throughout the city. Once again, I say our family was blessed!

The day after, we drove around our area and there were many houses with giant oak or pine trees laying in the middle of their homes, trees on vehicles, insulation and carpets already being dragged to the curb. Lines for gas in our area were miles long -- my neighbor waited three hours on Monday for gas only to be allowed $50 worth. Chris waited in a line outside Home Depot for six hours to get a generator and supplies. We went to Randall's to get a few more nonperishable foods and their generator lights only lit the outside aisles. People were using flashlights to see what was down each aisle. It left a spooky feeling.

However, this "event" has brought some positive aspects to our lives. School has been canceled for the week so the kids in the neighborhood are finding creative things to do to pass the days. Neighbors are helping neighbors. We are all cooking outside together every night -- so there was a crazy kid of sadness that came with the flickering of the lights last night -- real life is back. Kids will go back to watching movies, playing video games, being on the computer. Neighbors will go back into their homes and eat at their own tables for dinner. Why does "real life" have to be so busy and unfriendly sometimes? My wish is that I will make the effort to be more creative, more open and more laid back when all is normal again.

We do pray that those that were harder hit will soon be at their own tables having dinner with their families and that "real life" will occur sooner than later.