The Calm Before the Storm

Day 88

Things are getting crazy here in Tampa, as we prepare for Hurricane Irma. In our 9 years of living in Florida we’ve managed to dodge every hurricane threat put out there but it looks like Irma is the real deal.

She’s expected to arrive Sunday night, delivering 100 plus mph winds, with a 5-8 foot storm surge.

Despite the never-ending news coverage, combined with the haunting images of the recent hurricane destruction in Texas, there’s a sense of calm throughout our community. The majority of our neighbors are hunkering down, and we’re leaning in the same direction.

There’s an emergency shelter close by, but we’re not under mandatory evacuation. It’s really a difficult choice – stay in our comfortable home with the understanding that it could be rough, and we will most likely lose power for an extended period of time; or jam into a crowded shelter, claim a tiny portion of real estate, try and keep our dog calm, and sit for days. Honestly, I still feel crappy from my last chemo treatment a week and a half ago, and I just want to be comfortable in my own bed and couch.

It’s scary stuff, but I’m not afraid. I know that God has us in the palm of his hands, and that he is in control. I am apprehensive, and concerned about what the final outcome will bring.

I’ll keep you posted….