By Georgia Osten
We find ourselves talking about “Before Ike” or “After Ike.” Well, it’s been five years. So many of us lost so much in Ike. I remember, when they let us come back to the peninsula two weeks after the storm. We came as prepared as we could imagine, not really knowing what we would find. My daughter and son-in-law came with us with their flat bed trailer. From aerial photo shots, many of us had an idea of whether our house was still there or not. Ours seemed to be still there, but had a big black spot covering one third of it.
Those of us who were lucky enough to have any insurance at all, may have received some sort of compensation based on flood or wind or contents. Trying to remember what you had when it’s no longer there is not always easy. As I sat there trying to make a list, I would try to get a vision in my head of what was in each room, what was on the walls, under the beds, in the closets … what were the values? I’ll tell you one thing, the value of all those family photos and Christmas decorations we had accumulated for 30+ years – Priceless!!
So, I have a plan now to take pictures of each room and make lists, going room by room. We’ve even discussed getting a trailer, maybe a flat bed or enclosed. What will I grab to take with me if there’s not enough time to load up the trailer? Let’s face it, I’ve had five years now and all I seem to do is look around me and think how blessed I am and I just get more comfortable. It’s my home and this is where I feel at home, I don’t want to have to go anywhere.
When I ask myself, “Am I prepared?” The answer, with a sigh, is “No, I’m not, but I intend to be – some day.”
GO’s Sand Bucket is only one beach bum’s journal of life at the beach, probably something each of you can relate to. Please feel free to email me with your thoughts, visions and/or feelings of just exactly what the beach means to you.
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