I Wonder Why?

The storm was on its way.  They knew it was coming.  They were told to evacuate. Why oh why did they stay?  Oh, I can understand that it is difficult to leave your home behind and not know what will be left when you come back.  I can understand how difficult it is to try and choose how to prepare, what to take, what to do with the pets....I really do, but....

Nothing is more precious than human life. Why is it that time after time when people are told to evacuate they stay behind and risk their lives and the lives of their children to "ride out" the storm?  A hurricane of even a Category 1 status is a formidable thing.  This time, it isn't the wind that is the most fearsome, but the water.  I have huge respect for water.  Perhaps because I have spent so much time on it and near it.  It can be calm and mirror-like one moment and whipped into 8 foot waves and a frenzy in a matter of minutes!  It is powerful and unforgiving.  It is beautiful and yet deadly!

Time after time we see individuals remain behind when they have been warned to leave areas, they remain behind.  They often endanger their own children. I think the thing that upsets me most is that they endanger the lives of others, not only their children, but those who are called to rescue them.

There are so many brave individuals who go out into the storm to rescue those who did not follow evacuation orders or take precautions to protect themselves and their families.  Some would say, "they didn't have the money to evacuate" or make other excuses, but these people could have made contact with authorities and made arrangements to be evacuated BEFORE they were in imminent danger. 

There is so much loss and tragedy when these storms come ashore.  I feel sorry for so many who have lost so much.  But, I really do wish that people would consider the risk that rescuers take to pluck them out of danger before it is too late!

When I was a child, my father was a Fire Chief.  We were always taught how to escape the house in case of a fire.  When I go into a building, theater, hotel or whatever to this day, I am always looking for the exits and the best way to escape in case of an emergency.
PLANNING is critical to survival.  Common sense dictates that you need a PLAN.

So, when the order comes to evacuate, and you have to do it quickly, have a plan in place. Know where you want to go and how you are going to get there.  Don't have an empty gasoline tank or no bus fare.  Do have something set aside for emergency. And God Bless those amazing rescuers who go out time after time to pick up those who have failed to plan for disaster.


GOD BLESS!  Peace, Love and Joy

When Reality Strikes

I have just returned from Florida and a little escape from reality.  I have been caring for my dear friend Lucy for the past six months.  She was doing great until she had a fall in September and broke her hip.  At first she seemed like she might recover, but then she took a turn for the worse.


She was 95-years-old and the stress of the injury, surgery and a traumatic move out of her previous home, led to her developing Alzheimers/dementia and a rapid decline in her mental and physical health.  It was a terrifying reality to watch.

One thing that has really hit me through all of this is that we ALL need to prepare for possible illness and death, and how we want things happened in that eventuality.  Lucy had done just that.  She had a Health Care Directive, a Durable Power of Attorney, A Will and all of her wishes laid out plainly.  She had even written down what she wanted to include in her obituary.  She was prepared.  It has made things much easier for me as the Executor of her Estate.

Losing a loved one is a sad reality, we are all born and we will all die someday.  It is your responsibility to make it as easy as possible on those you leave behind.  We are not good in this country at preparing our children, loved ones and friends for the sure fact that someday, no one knows exactly when, we will face death....ours and/or others.  I am a retired RN and though that I was prepared for what was happening with Lucile.  Although I knew intellectually what was going on and what was about to happen, I was still having problems dealing with it emotionally.

I am not saying you don't need to grieve..you do and you will.  But, it is much easier when you know what the wishes of the deceased were.  Make sure you talk with your family about your wishes in the event of serious illness or death and don't just talk about it, put it in writing.  It is one thing to KNOW the persons wishes, and another to be able to carry them out without the black and white print to direct your actions.

I was blessed to be Lucy's friend for the past ten years, and we had so many fun times and memories together.  She was a unique individual, and I am glad we were friends.  I will never forget her.

Make sure you hug your loved ones today and tell them you love them.  Reconcile with anyone you haven't spoken to in days, months or even years.  Clear all your issues.  Life really is short and does go by quickly.  Smell the roses, fulfill your "bucket list", and enjoy every single day you have.  Tomorrow is not promised.