Do U Know What Today Is?
13 september 2008 - 3:16am
"That's the wheel barrell!" she blurted.
The loud bamming noise shook through our home like a bass drum during a college football halftime show. The vibrations seemed to slamdance with the howls of 90mph winds and tortured trees. I placed the wheel barrell outside - in the back corner of the house - but now it banged as if it was attempting to come through the wall.
I put on my sneakers to dislodge the wheel barrell and stop its persistent banging. When I opened the front door, I was greeted by a dark haze of midnight blue clouds, chaos and wind. The rain slapped my face as I raced around to the back of the house. To my surprise, the wheel barrell was secured right where I left it. My second glance upward revealed our back patio roof - the same one that covered so many outdoor parties (including our wedding reception) - was being ripped away. 2x4 beams and aluminum jerked in winds that seemed to carry tortured screams of lost souls. That was my cue to run like hell back into the house. I had never seen nature so enraged or unstable.
This was Hurricane Ike.
14 september 2008 1:24am
After a day of no power, limited water and spoiling food - I found myself drifting in and out of consciousness. The trees had collasped and crushed one of our cars. Our beloved patio laid lifeless and in pieces on a concrete slab. The streets were littered with tree limbs and broken glass. It was hot outside. My laptop was dead. My iPod - with over 5,000 songs - didn't have one tune to console me.
The night was upon us again but I couldn't sleep...again. The storm was over but the internal disruptions were just beginning. My esophagus spasmed. I jumped out of bed and fumbled through pitch black darkness to the bathroom. I hadn't vomitted in 13 years - not since my college roommate's birthday party - and I barely made it to the porcelain. I was sick, overheated and dehydrated. What bothered me more was the reality that there were tens of thousands feeling like me at that exact same moment...and there was nothing I could do. I spent the next several hours making frequent bathroom trips and even more frequent prayers.
And God heard every one.
15 september 2008 8:34am
I woke up next to my wife with the cool breeze of central air on my neck. The sheets and pillows were soft. My stomach was settled. We were in her aunt's house, less than a mile from our home. Her power had come back on and she invited us to stay with her until our power was restored. We had eaten good soul food and enjoyed ice in our cups...something that was (and still is) a limited resource. My cell phone lit up with messages from friends, family and colleagues. It felt like waking up from a bad dream.
"Happy Anniversary," my wife whispered.
I kissed her forehead and repositioned my pillow, "Happy anniversary to you, too."
We embraced briefly before getting up to watch the news for more updates. A few people lost their lives while some lost all of their possessions. Most people are without power, water and gasoline. Millions are traumatized physically, emotionally and financially...including me. But even in the midst of chaos, I am thankful that God spared my family from long term grief. I thank God that we survived Hurricane Ike with just a handful of inconveniences. I am grateful he allowed my wife and I to see our wedding anniversary.
September 15th will always be the most significant day in my life:
- On this day last year, I married my best friend.
- On this day in 2005, my newborn son died in my hands.
- On this day in 1972, one of my closest relatives was born - and he died suddenly in '06 from a heart attack.
I will never forget the many birthdays I spent hanging out with my cousin. The memory of my little boy's face is etched in my spirit. These instances of my past have taught me to cherish the beautiful future I have with my family.
I am still dealing with the aftermath of my first, true natural diaster. The distorted, grey images of the storm are still fresh. My stomach still aches from the brief illness. These life-stirring jolts of the present reinforce the reality that I should always embrace my family.
This is more than recanting the past or surviving the present. Today is my reminder that the future holds a plethora of positive memories yet-to-be-created. I have survived so much in my 30+ years on this planet. God continues to spare me in order to fulfill a divine purpose that transcends my talents, my career or my online persona as "Fave."
I'm no angel and I don't intend to start some unrealistic pursuit of perfection. There's no epiphany occuring - this is simply awareness.
So as I sit here on this borrowed desktop - my aunt is barbecuing ribs (yes, at 10pm! lol) in celebration of our anniversary. I've spent most of the day playing Madden '09 on my new Sony PSP (my anniversary gift) while my wife has captured images of the broken city with her new camera and zoom lens (her gift). Our insurance claim is filed. The kids are safe. I've recieved text messages saying NOT to return to work (yet). Ironically, I got paid today (smile). I continue to literally feel the energy and prayers of my family, friends and even online acquaintances (via Twitter, blogging, etc.) and the spiritual surge is surreal...thank you guys for sending the Creator's love and comfort towards my family.
Know that we are fine; but more importantly, remember that alI we have is now - and I plan to cherish it with all that I am. That is what today is.
Until next time...
suni says:
what beautiful thoughts in a sickly world. praise be to God that you are all safe and well.
Donna Maria @ Indie Business says:
Fave, thanks for sharing your innermost thoughts. I am moved, actually, have few words. The strength you display in this post and your other works that I have enjoyed, inspire and remind me that life is so precious. September 15 -- I think I'll remember it because I connected with someone online whom I never otherwise would have met, and he shared a piece of his soul with me. Happy anniversary. May God continue to bless you.
macedonia says:
very happy to know that you, wife and kids are doing ok. GOD is good. many blessings upon you all.
anji bee says:
*gulp*
i'm so glad to know that you are ok. i hope you all will be getting your lives back on track soon. with your positive attitude and inner strength, i know that you will.
take care, take it slow, and see you online soon!
Shannon Renee says:
"Today is my reminder that the future holds a plethora of positive memories yet-to-be-created."
This is one of the most beautiful lines of prose I've ever read. Thank you for writing it.