Thank you. Thank you to the thousands of people who are helping others following Hurricane Ian’s destructive chaos. First responders of all types had their hands more than full. National Guardsmen put in long days and weeks. Utility, service, clean up, and food crews continue to work tirelessly. Millions of people donate time and dollars to do whatever they can to assist.
Children, families, elderly, workers, elected officials…. Everyone becomes affected and involved in one way or another. Some involvement is active. Some is passive.
Neighbors and friends took each other in for safety and shelter before, during, and after the storm. People leaped up to serve and help in rescue and restoration efforts. Others were there to listen to the countless stories that needed to be told… by those who wish dearly they did not ever experience the events they now verbalize… and envision nightly.
Days turn into weeks, and weeks will turn into months. Indeed, months will turn into years of recovery endeavors. The globe will continue to spin, but life is forever altered for far too many.
Whether you have, are, or will help, you have the gratitude of millions, both spoken and unspoken. Countless people reached out to others via email, telephone, and social media. Words of encouragement, prayers for safety, and expressions of love were shared endlessly.
I thank everyone for sharing from their hearts, both during and after the storm and as the people and areas most devastated attempt to find balance again. I utter a special “thank you” to my sister, Deborah. This living, healing angel was visiting Mom in Palm Harbor, Florida. She packed their “go” bags, and prepped food and water for them to ride out the storm together. Just how special that was for my 92-year-old Mom is immeasurable.
Thank you. Thank you all.
