Life Lessons from Hurricanes

Yes, it was opened at least 24 hours before the storm.

We’ve finally wrapped up preparations for Hurricane Francine, who is scheduled to make landfall this evening. Of course, today’s date is 09/11/24 because nothing says, "Relax!" like THAT date. (Cue me rubbing my temples.) 

I’m always nervous in storms, even Category 1s. Hurricanes are like a box of chocolates without a key card (menu). Mother Nature will do whatever Her WILD CARD Self wants to do. Even tropical storms can dump enough rain on you that you wish you had an Ark.

It’s daylight, but with all my windows boarded up, it feels like midnight in a cave. I almost called it a crypt but chose not to go THERE. It feels like a cave. Definitely a cave. (I reassure myself.) I know that the sound of the rain falling as I sit in my eerily dark home is nothing compared to what I’ll hear in a few hours. My house will undoubtedly groan as she gets pelted and battered. I’m not looking forward to her audible complaints.

Luckily, Francine is NO Hurricane Ida. (My area STILL has not recovered from this 2021 behemoth that devastated my community. Many people STILL have not resolved their housing issues because the insurance companies took the money and ran, but that’s a rant for another day.) Francine is NO Hurricane Katrina. (She’s the heifer that stole the lives, homes, and hope of too many in 2005.) I hope Francine is NO Hurricane Juan. (In 2003, this heathen tried to drown us by stalling and dumping liquid sunshine (rain) on top of us for what seemed like forever.).

We all have hurricane war stories, some worse than others. But those are stories for another day. Today, as I wait in my artificially lit cave, I force myself to remember the positives.

So, here are the top ten life lessons I’ve learned from hurricanes:

1.      Pray before, during, and after any storm. Warning: If you pray during the storm, do not do so in a manner that terrifies people who are staying with you. That’s EXACTLY what I did during Hurricane Andrew in 1992.  In my defense… well, there’s really no defense except to state that I was very young, petrified, and wanted to… No. I NEEDED to say goodbye to everyone I loved. (Not my finest moments.) 

2.      Use common sense and fully prepare for the stinkin’ storm. Video the house, pick up all possible projectiles from the yard, buy batteries, water, canned food, fill prescriptions, etc.  You’re tired of doing it, and you can remember when you did it for nothing, but do it anyway.

3.      Buy snacks that you would never eat on a typical Wednesday. Why? Maybe it’ll be comforting. Don’t question why you don’t buy a ten-pound bag of carrots instead of that “Wiley Wallaby Soft & Chewy Classic Strawberry Flavored Licorice?” Don’t question why it was opened the day before the storm. Don’t be mad that the snack will probably be gone before the storm steps foot on land! Just eat it, and don’t worry about the carbs.

4.      Remember the break that’ll come mid-hurricane. Internalize the peace while in the eye of the storm. Mother Nature gives us awe-inspiring moments, and the peace in the storm's eye will remind you, "This too shall pass.” Hang on. Take a deep breath, and just hang on.

5.      When it’s all over, and IF the hurricane leaves problems in its wake and you feel discouraged or begin to lose faith, “Look for the helpers.” That’s what Fred (Mr.) Rogers said his mother used to tell him when he’d see scary things on the news. God shows up as the helpers before, during, and following the storm. More specifically, God comes to you disguised as your neighbors, first responders, friends, family, etc.   

6.      Speaking of helpers - Make sure the giant cast iron pot is seasoned, and you have the ingredients to make a big pot of something (afterward) to share with your neighbors. I have eaten at some very nice restaurants, but no five-star meal has EVER compared to the paper bowl of whatever I received from a neighbor following a storm. It always tastes like love, care, and compassion. Once again, eat it, and don’t worry about the carbs because it's feeding your soul.

7.      Remember and be grateful for the people working while you’re sitting around eating your neighbor’s jambalaya. Be thankful you’re not hanging from a power line or cutting trees to clear the roadway. Yes, you have no electricity. Yes, you’re under a boil order advisory because your water is contaminated. Yes, your husband’s on your last hot, sticky nerve. But you ain’t wielding a chainsaw, so behave!

8.      Help before you’re asked. You've got eyes; you can see the need. Don’t wait for a formal invite to do SOMETHING! Just do it!

9.      Prepare, but know that all your well-laid plans could fail. Even if everything works out for you, know that you may receive a phone call from a loved one (or ten loved ones) in distress, so be ready to show up for them.

10.  Apply these hurricane lessons to everyday life. You’ll never regret being prepared, praying, helping others, staying grateful, laughing at yourself, and recognizing God’s face in those around you.

Hey Neighbor, won’t you share your top lesson(s) or the name/pic of your favorite hurricane snack with me? (Me trying to sound like Mr. Rogers.)