Storm Warning

[photo from nasa.gov]

As we watch now-hurricane Isaac approach the Gulf coast and New Orleans, we cannot help but send our thoughts and prayers to residents who, for the second time in exactly seven years, must endure this trauma. 

As a Florida resident I’ve been through quite a few hurricanes, some of them massive.  Tornadoes and earthquakes may happen without warning, but the anticipation of a slowly approaching hurricane is its own kind of hell.

The murky and ominous sky, the dark and churning surf, the swirling air currents.  Then the wind hits, with the hissing sound of a thousand snakes, and the shrieking wail like something not of this world.  And of course, it’s a hundred times worse at night.  Yes, I would be one of those who would go outside as the eye of the storm passed over.  A combination of dead calm and yet an electric feel to the unmoving air as clouds swirled around.  Then the other half of the storm hits like an invisible brick wall and we’d go through it all again.

Our family was fortunate and only had to endure minor storm-related hardships, unlike the thousands who suffered after Katrina seven years ago tonight, and who will certainly feel the impact of Isaac.  It leaves us wondering what we can do from two thousand miles away.

Donate money.  Yes, it sounds shallow, but really, unless you’re prepared to fly in and you have the skills to help, a monetary donation can help work wonders.  Organizations like the American Red Cross will be there with boots on the ground, and they can make a dollar go a lot further than we can.  Give to the charity of your choice, but give something.  And hope that others will be moved to do the same should we be the ones that need help the next time Mother Nature unleashes her fury.