Hurricane Michael Aftermath – Carolyn M. Bowen, Author

October 19, 2018April 5, 2021

A Tangled Mess: Hurricane Michael

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

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October 11, 2018April 5, 2021

The Aftermath: Hurricane Michael

Quote of the Day: Courage is the act of putting one foot in front of the other in the bleak of disaster not knowing the final outcome. Carolyn M. Bowen, Author

Mexico Beach 2014 — Mexico Beach – Before Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael blows through and for many, it’s over, but for those living in the region devastated by the blow at zero points, it’s significant. The hurricane’s landfall and surrounding areas have experienced the wretched aftermath and it’s not a quick fix. And, the news cycle goes on to the next big story while residents try to make sense of their losses and rebuild from nothing and I’m talking about 60 miles inland.

For many, including myself, we are unsure of the property damage or even if there’s property remaining. The ocean may have sucked in the land and perhaps created another island. This brings to point. We have no news yet, about St. George Island. Does it still exist?

St. George Island is the coastal getaway for many folks living in Tallahassee and surrounding areas plus a destination getaway for the rich and famous.

These places are my stomping grounds and have been for decades. The historic homes along the old coast are gone forever. My favorite oyster bar and shipping company were completely underwater. What’s going to happen to our gulf oysters this year? And, yes, I order them by the case for my personal consumption when out of Florida!

I love the Gulf of Mexico seafood. Some refer to the area as the Panhandle, me personally, I like the title Emerald Coast of Florida. For if you saw it, you’d know there’s nothing like it in the world.

You can see I have more questions than answers. My writing about Hurricane Michael is nostalgic, yet I already know my family members have suffered significant losses. I’m still waiting until the path can be cleared to my homestead or maybe not.

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

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