Regrouping

After Hurricane Florence, I thought I would just return to everyday life, but that is not so easy when there are signs of serious damage all around you. I have not left my home for one week. Today I ventured out into the world. It was time. At first, it seems surreal as you pass homes you have seen thousands of times on route in and out of your neighborhood that look so different now. The vast amount of trees and debris piled up by the road appear to make a border as you travel through them. It is our neighborhood, but it is totally different.

It is an odd thing to have a major event disrupt your life and then go back to your normal routine. We are anxious to get the laundry done, the cupboards restocked, and the house cleaned up with everything back in its proper place. We regroup to feel some control after an out-of-control situation. However, it will not take long after regrouping to feel back in a routine, even a rut. Human nature is interesting this way.

Perhaps there are a few lessons to be learned from all of this. Appreciate the everyday life we have including the medical challenges and disabilities, they could be much worse. Know that you will find the strength to endure difficult times even when you think you cannot. Look for the positives during the time it seems there are only negatives. Be humbled by the enormity of catastrophic events and appreciate your role in making life well again for you and for others. And most importantly, savor each and every moment as you go about regrouping your life.