A sunset in our neighborhood!
With everything going on in our lives lately, I feel like we've been on the "treadmill of life" that so many of us are currently on. However, after watching the devastation caused by recent tornadoes I thought it was time to slow down and give thanks.
After going through Hurricane Katrina, I remember battling a heat index of over 100 degrees while trying to restore our properties. A shower didn't come for over 3 days, and we lived in a travel trailer for 2 months. Since gas required a drive over an hour away and waiting in a line for over an hour, we didn't run the generator during the day. No electricity meant no water, no air conditioning, no television. To cool off we'd sit in our car while catching up on the latest news.
During this time, I also remember feeling so isolated as the rest of the world was going on with their day as if nothing had happened. They were planning their weekends and sitting in their air-conditioned homes without really knowing the impact of what we were going through. I didn't feel resentment, as this is the way of life. After all, men and women are fighting for our freedom everyday ... giving up their limbs, their minds, and their lives while we enjoy the freedom to enjoy a good dinner, movie or day on the water. Time went on, a lot of great people visited our city to offer their help, and "Katrina" is finally in our past.
Listening to some real horror stories on last night's news prompted me to remember those that are struggling right now ... they have a long road ahead of them. While I may not have the option to travel to the devastated areas and offer my help, I can appreciate what they are going through. I can also appreciate the daily pleasures that we have, and cherish the simple moments of our life ... a sunrise, a sunset, a bed, a shower, and a home.
Cherish the moment!
Hasta luego ... until then. Mid-Life Cruising!
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6 comments:
We all need to be thankful for what we have. As long as we are alive many other things just aren't that important.
Have a terrific day. :)
Thank you for a post that helps put things into perspective. I didn't get enough sleep last night and it affects my outlook. Your photo and words are a tremendous boost!
Ironically you're future probably holds 3 day periods without showering. The travel trailer will be wistfully remembered as "roomy". And the trip for gasoline will result in a wet bottom including possible peril and what is this "car" you speak of?
Veranda, believe me the two aren't the same! The lack of showers, gasoline and such were no big deal. But, add to that the fact that your home is destroyed, filled with the stench of spoiled food, thick mud, etc. There's no place to dive in for a quick "cool off" after spending the entire day shoveling debris out of your home ... Believe me, it's totally different.
Just trying to bring some well wishes to those suffering right now. They'd gladly take the cruising lifestyle right now. =)
Gee, I hope it didn't sound like I was offended ... I'm not. Just trying to explain. Happy, Happy!
Great post and I understood what you meant in replying to S/V Veranda. It is one thing when you set out on an adventure and another altogether when mother nature forces you into a new reality.
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