Dog Walkin' Thoughts

My intent was for this to be a non-Hurricane post. However, after taking Sophie on a walk through the neighborhood, my thoughts are now back on the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

What is typically a quiet stroll through the neighborhood is now filled with sounds of generators running for houses still without power, nails being pounded into new fence boards, roofers pulling away at shingles, and chainsaws cutting away at fallen branches. The streets are lined with piles and piles of branches and other miscellaneous debris. Some of the piles are taller than me.

As I walked the streets, I continue to be thankful that we all have our homes. Thankful that our damage is reparable. Thankful that we still have a roof over our heads. Galvestonians were allowed to return to the island on Wednesday. My heart goes out to that community. Many people are returning to slabs where homes used to be. Others are returning to water sogged, sand filled homes and all of their belongings destroyed. All of the residents are returning to 3rd world country type living conditions - no power, no water, and very few resources (gas, food, etc..)

I saw on the news yesterday where our energy company stated that 93% of it's customers lost power. We were literally moments away from the energy company experiencing a total failure of their systems. Because this wasn't a total failure, they have been able to restore power to about 75 - 80% of customers within a short amount of time. Approximately 100,000 customers are still without power. I know these customers are miserable and inconvienced but seriously folks! Remember those in Galvestons who are left with NOTHING. Power is the last thing on their minds..they don't even know where they will live.

I am quite sure that we will continue to hear stories about this storm for a very long time. Parents of today will be telling their grandchildren of tomorrow about the loss, suffering, and survival. I can only reiterate over and over.. THANK YOU GOD FOR SPARING MY HOME AND FAMILY!!!!