Ike: The Aftermath

It has been a harrowing few days to say the least. The worry started in the morning hours of Thursday, 9/11..how ironic! This was when we had a fairly clear indication that Hurricane Ike was definitely headed toward the Galveston coastline.

Thankfully, MeMa agreed to come over to our house after much pleading from probably most of the family. Aunt Sue wouldn't leave because she kept insisting that she had to work??? LOL - typical Aunt Sue!

Once MeMa arrived, we began the process of glueing ourselves to the TV and watching the 24 hour news coverage. I don't know which was worse - watching the inch by inch update of the storm status until it hit or watching the aftermath and devastation. Either way, it just seemed as though we were waiting for the inevitable and unknown.

We began feeling the effects of the storm at about 7pm on Friday evening. The winds picked up causing the trees to sway. The sky was a strange color as the sun set. It is typically a beautiful blue and pink but on this night it was a very "devilish" red.

The rain and 40mph winds began at around 12am. None of us could sleep in the household. Correction: MeMa and I couldn't sleep. Kelley and Zoe seemed to have no problem sleeping.

The winds steadily picked up from there. I am not sure what our official wind gusts were but it was reported that we were supposed to get 75 - 80 mph winds. It certainly felt that way too! We paced the floors and watched news coverage until the power went out at about 2am. At which time, we all probably got about 3 hours sleep and basically woke up as soon as it was daylight. The wind and rain didn't stop until 1pm on Saturday.

Much to my happy surprise, there was no apparent major damage to our house. The trees that I worried about stayed intact except for a few branches which blew into our yard. We did sustain some shingle damage but nothing which will threaten the structure of our roof.

With no power, we were now cut off from the world. No TV, no phone service, and no computer. Thanks to the ever so prepared MeMa, we did have a crank radio. If you've never seen one, they are a must have for power emergencies. You literally have to crank the radio about every 20 - 30 mins but it was well worth it!!! Another thanks to the local news stations and radio stations, they worked in partnership to allow us to listen to the live TV coverage on the radio. MeMa and I worked a puzzle by windowlight and flashlight for the better part of Saturday while Kelley paced in and out of the house and visited with the neighbors.

Anyway, I'll spare you the rest of the details. Bottom line - We MADE IT!!! Aunt Sue was fine and has joyfully been bbq-ing with her neighbors. Our power came back on at approx. 430pm on Sunday which was a complete SURPRISE!! The news reported that power would be out for 2 - 4 weeks.

Watching the aftermath devastation has been heart wrenching. People have lost their entire homes. No one is allowed to return to Galveston. Masses of people are waiting in horrendous lines for 2 bags of ice and a case of water. Some are still stuck in their homes with no food and water. I feel like Lacy states in her blog - helpless. I want to help. I want to take food, water, and ice to people. But, we must allow the city to work their orchestration and plans. We are just so blessed to have our home and our family safe!!

Here is one of the last videos that I took. I have another one of Sophie playing on the back porch during the last part of the storm but can't get it uploaded.