Quote for Today: It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy, we face the storm and defy it.    Amelia Barr

Tangled Mess, Writing Life
Panama City Beach before Hurricane Michael

Recently I’ve decided to put my education to good use and help others by writing in the mental health area also. I’m a mystery-crime fiction author with a background in psychology and communication.  I look forward to sharing personal development and inspirational tips from time to time on my blog.

When storms blow your way

I had a feeling this hurricane season would be bad and the worst isn’t over until the end of November. (See the previous post) I just didn’t know how close it would hit to home – my community.

Many folks are still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Michael. The far-reaching effects inland are beyond comprehension. This is a look at Marianna, FL located 60 miles from the direct hit on Mexico Beach.

Marianna FL Hurricane Michael
Photo/Brendan Farrington)

How do you deal with this mess?

My family and friends in Panama City FL and Marianna FL are still without power, gas, water, ice….

A feeling of being overwhelmed is normal. One day you have a residence and the next you don’t. My Granny comes to mind, 90 years old and displaced by the hurricane. No home to return to and years of memories gone. She’s a fighter who left her home when it was engulfed during the hurricane and sought a safe place. No one expected the Hurricane Michael to reap damage 60 miles inland, maybe some rain and wind but nothing traumatic.

As Granny says, “The next time there’s a mention of a hurricane in NW FL, I’m gone.” Like I said, she’s a smart woman.

My sister and family in Panama City, FL experienced the brunt of the hurricane force. She and her family survived a harrowing experience. They’re alive – residence totaled.

Well, my place appears to have survived the worst. Besides needing a new roof and major road clearing up my driveway all seems good. Yet, I’ve not been able to get to the property for the trees in the lane leading to the house. Yet, looking at NOAA images, the damages may not be so bad. I’ll know next Wednesday when a path is cleared.

Family First

Check in with family as soon as possible and let them know your situation.

Make your request – what do you need? Food, medical supplies, lodging…

In times like this cash and supplies work best. Send cash and if possible deliver food, gas, ice and other needs. Gas is a premium for running generators for homes still intact and for getting out of town.

You are a survivor

You made it through this ordeal and you will be able to start over. This experience doesn’t define you. It will motivate you to become a more authentic person. You are more than a survivalist for this is just one part in your story. The next chapter will be a result of your rebuilding and claiming your destiny of goodness and prosperity.

To all those affected by Hurricane Michael, I wish you peace!

As always, I appreciate your following my blog and reading my books. Carolyn M. Bowen

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

###

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.