A Community Staying Afloat
My husband and I were able to get out today and go to a local restaurant for breakfast and we noticed that the mood of the staff and customers was very somber. Our community is suffering and its pain is palpable. Everyone in our surrounding area has been touched one way or another by Hurricane Florence. Some have lost their homes and everything in them. Many have had severe damage. Others have been impacted at their schools or where they work. No one has gone untouched.
How does an entire neighborhood get beyond this phase of loss? The initial shock of the devastion has passed and now the reality of the situation has hit us. As we drive down our street, we can no longer see our neighbors’ homes because of the pile of trees and debris at the curbs. It feels like you are in a tunnel and it is frightening. Outside of our neighborhood, the stores are reopened, but their shelves are minimally stocked. The mail is being delivered, but only some of it. Life is different.
So how do we move forward? One day at a time. If that still feels overwhelming, then take things one hour at a time. Reduce the big projects to smaller tasks. And ask for help. Reach out to friends or family and be specific on what you need. Also, take breaks. Do something fun or at least something other than hurricane cleanup, even if it is for a short time. Pray, meditate and practice self-talk. I get my comfort from giving my problems to God. It is not easy to do because I am someone who likes to fix things. However, when I rely on my faith, I always find the confidence to face the next day.
The emotions we are experiencing are not unusual, but they may be unique to us. I know that there is strength in numbers and knowing we are not alone in our feelings of loss may be comforting. Helping others who have it worse than we do also keep our lives in perspective. Yes, misery loves company, but it also makes us feel less isolated. Sharing stories of loss, discussing ideas for solving problems and swapping names and numbers of resources are all useful exchanges. Some people may need professional intervention. Do not hesitate to seek out a counselor, a clergy member or a health care provider. Everyone experiences loss differently and heals in his or her own way. Do not underestimate the impact of what you are coping with and find comfort in knowing you are not alone.
May the sadness we are experiencing give way to better and more joyful times as we get through this together. I hope you can find your sunshine in the aftermath of this storm and that our community as a whole stays afloat.
