Wednesday night I decided I would evacuate. At that point the forecasters were not exactly sure where Ike would hit. Corpus was still listed as a likely hit.
Have I mentioned I've never been through a hurricane before?
Have I also mentioned my husband is not able to evacuate with us due to his job?
Have I talked about my need to feel safe and secure?
Basically, I have no desire to be a hero and tough it out on my own at home.
All of those reasons combined with the fact that I didn't want to be stuck in thirteen hours of traffic headed to San Antonio, caused me to stay up late packing on Wednesday night and get up very early on Thursday morning and head out to San Antonio.
I'm glad I did.
I would do it all over again and not change anything.
By the time Thursday rolled on it was pretty clear that Ike was not going to hit us directly. We still didn't know what kind of conditions might affect our city so the kids and I stayed in San Antonio until Saturday.
Those pictures above were taken on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. I'm amazed at the damage done to our area from the storm surge considering we were on the good side of the storm.
My thoughts and prayers are with those whose lives and homes were completely devastated from Ike. I can't imagine what they are experiencing right now. Or those who are without power. Let me just say, it is hot here in Texas. I'm sure they're feeling it. I know I feel like I've been on an emotional roller coaster just going through this week and we ended up being spared in Corpus. Those affected have got to be not only physically exhausted, but emotionally exhausted as well.
I have learned a few things, though, from this experience.
1. Apparently I am skilled at removing the plastic covers off the outside parts where the hurricane shutters will go.
2. Next time I will enforce the "one stuffed animal per child" rule considering my oldest child packed 15 stuffed animals for the trip.
3. We may have to leave the hurricane shutters up since it allows me to convince my kids it's really time for bed, even if it's only 7pm because it is so dark with them on.
4. We have enough bottled water to probably last the month and enough canned goods for just as long.
On a positive note, on Monday I am subbing in my daughters kindergarten class for the day. She is so excited! I am as excited and a bit nervous since I haven't been in a classroom to teach since I taught 4th grade in the Bronx back in 2000. I have a feeling though, that these 5 year olds might not be so rough!
Take care,
Julie
5 comments:
IM so gld your ok Ive been thinking about you
been wondering how you all are...glad to hear all is well...and have fun in kindergarten! what an adventure it is going to be ; )
So how is today going for you? I used to love being in the same classroom that my kids were in. We are out of school through this week and then until further notice. I pray we go back next Monday. If not, I'm afraid we'll be in school until the 4th of July!
I'm glad that all is well in your neck of the woods!
You have learned valuable lessons. ;) When we evacuated 3 yrs ago, it was so hard for my daughter to leave her things. I'm afraid our suppers for this week will consist of soup, beans, & crackers. Hee!
I'm so glad you all are ok
I'm glad Corpus was spared. Unfortunately, Houston and Galveston were not. Things are rough here, but we are OK - minimal damage and a lot of mess to clean up. But our power came back on yesterday and we're doing fine. Blessed, indeed! I have some pics on my blog.
Post a Comment