Ever been stalked by a turtle? A turtle with a very full bladder? That's what it's like waiting for a hurricane. Tuesday, September 11 the Governor of South Carolina shut down all schools in preparation for the coming hurricane. The shut down is interesting for a number of reasons which include: allowing time for families to prepare for the coming storm and moving school buses to the coast to assist in evacuations. Though our University does not bus kids, we were still required to shut down. So the last few days have been "hurry up and wait." Just like last year, this very week. And in 2015, which saw record-breaking floods. It was October of last year we did this with Hurricane Matthew.
At this moment, the sun is out and the wind is picking up. Stores are still heavily shopped and the pharmacy lines are long. While waiting to drop off a prescription last night (noting the length of the pick-up line--the Publix staff kept things moving and were very polite) we saw someone we knew who grabbed a gallon of water from the stack near the door and made their way over to us. After greeting us, she said, "I don't even know why I'm here. I don't need this. Just seemed that everyone else was out and I wanted to get out too." That's an interesting component to this waiting game: boredom. Perhaps fear as well.
My opinion: get stocked up and stay home. Stay off the roads. There are enough people along the coast who need to get to safety and need the supplies. Visiting with a friend last night (he not only survived but powered through a stroke a couple years ago), with tears streaming down his face slowly slurred out, "you know I follow NASCAR, right? You know what the raceways are doing--except Darlington? They opened up their campgrounds and told people, 'come up here and camp for free!.' And what is the NFL doing? Nothing." He went on to underscore the patriotism and helpfulness of some groups over others, noting that those most likely to complain are the least helpful. An emotional visit.
Well, we're gassed up (picking up some propane later today), stocked up and waiting. Went for a run yesterday though I admit I walked the final mile--the heat was too much. You can feel the change in the air. Tomorrow, when we get a better idea of what this storm will do, I might be moving all yard furniture into the garage. Going out today to make certain all gutters and drains are clear.
At this writing, the storm is downgraded to "Category 2" and weather reports are projecting 40-50 mph winds along with mucho rain where we are. I am grateful if the winds stay that low if/when it reaches us. The water--just need to keep an eye on that.
Thing that come to mind in face of disaster:
1) Plan ahead. By this I do not mean so much as "stock up" though those things are important. What I mean to say here is, don't let times of calm distract you from being ready for hard times. They will come so be ready for them. Be ready to welcome them, endure them, and see them off. That's the beauty of preparing for difficulties--they do not come to stay.
2) Keep a loose hand on what you have. The only thing we truly own is ourselves. Everything else is "on loan" so don't be attached to property. "Things" can be replaced, so don't expend emotional energy on over attachment to objects. Which leads us to . . .
3) Be grateful for what you do have. "It's unfortunate this happened. No. It's fortunate...and I have remained unharmed. (Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations).
4) Nature will do as it was designed to do. No reason to get angry or upset or inconvenienced for that matter. What one thinks or feels cannot change the wind on a good day, so make up your mind now (see #1) to be amazed at how nature works. There are forces at work that we will never understand, but they must. So be amazed.
