The Calm Before The Storm

Hello friends and family! I just wanted to jot a few thoughts about Tropical Storm Issac before things get too crazy this evening and tomorrow (as if they are not already in some areas of the south). I am not sure how many of you reading were affected by Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Katrina a few years ago, but each has completely changed the way many people view the effects of Mother Nature and natural disasters. I lost my father the day Ivan hit land in September of 2004. My family and I were not able to travel to Louisiana as quickly to be with family because of power outages. When remembering the effects of Katrina in August of 2005, I think of friends I have met in the course of my three years attending LSU and SELU. These friends were forced to relocate and start their lives over in more ways than one. During Ivan and Katrina I was living with my parents and little sister, and with each storm we stayed home and rode it out. As most of you know since my Husband and I recently married, we are now on our own and responsible for taking care of ourselves. We are in control of our safety and the outcome of what may turn out to be an unclear situation in the midst of weather disruptions. I think now that I am older and more aware of what is happening in the world around me I felt the need to take some initiative to write this post.  Despite the way Ivan and Katrina have affected my family or friends, Issac will leave an impact on many people regardless of how the storm affects everyone over the course of the next few days.

I would like to encourage everyone to please remember to take proper precautions to stay safe. Although we may not be hit directly by the storm in certain parts of the south that may be inland, everyone will receive large amounts of rain and anything can transpire- wind, flooding, tornadoes, ect. Also as you watch the weather, buy supplies, or head to fuel up remember everyone is in the same boat. Just as you are taking precaution to take care of your family, so are the many other people in line in front of or behind you. If you are waiting in line for gas for long periods of time at least be thankful you have money to fill up your vehicle. If you have to go to three different stores to buy water, be thankful others have already thought ahead and bought their case. Life will go on even if you have a bad experience for a few minutes during this trying, stressful time. Try to remember to act in the same manner as "the calm before the storm." I have seen this reference in posts on Facebook and Twitter and thought it was extremely fitting.

As Tony and I were picking up the essentials last night we could tell that Walmart was very bare, however we noticed that many in our area of  Birmingham have taken proper precaution. So, to all of my sweet friends at LSU and SELU, and to those family members in Zachary, Vacherie, and Bogalusa- Take care of yourself. Know that we are praying for you. May God bless and keep you. We love you.

As always, until next time- Happy blogging!

http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/atlantic-depression-storm-nine-20120817