Up Close and Personal

It doesn't look so bad, I know, but it's been a little rough here in Texas. We had a "historic deep freeze" across the state. Lives were lost and there was a great deal of damage to facilities and buildings both public and private.

I had decided that spring weather was actually here to stay. It's crazy, really, how I had allowed myself to be lulled into a false sense of security – unwise for a gardener. I’m familiar with our weather, the uncertainty and extremes. 
 
But it felt like spring. I had become consumed with ambition and worry over our spring garden – whether we would be able to rebuild or reinforce some of the planter boxes by Easter, what needed to be moved, pulled, sown.  I had pretty much started to fret. And then the freeze put things back into perspective.
 
Like so very many across the state, we lost power for days and then running water. I think the lows reached 10 degrees in our area. Our pipes busted, drenching our main living areas with the notable exception of the kitchen.
 
I realize that many people have close family and good neighbors. I also realize that some have none. But for just a moment, I'd like to reflect on our own, personal situation.

Our loved ones – our family, our friends – were with us, supporting us through it all. Those who had generators – or power – provided sanctuary. They not only insisted; they hosted multiple families. My husband's brother and his wife (sister-in-heart) and their sons made it feel like a beautiful family party at their house – for days. Our (grown) children and their friends helped us move furniture and clothing out of the damaged areas. They worked so hard -- with small children and worries of their own -- helping us move clothing and furniture, checked the attic, helped with the water. It was cold, literally freezing, and still they worked. My brother was here instantly, offering shelter, providing food, and contacting a contractor when we hardly could think. It was raining inside our house.
 
The contractor showed up with plumbers as if by magic. She wants to help as many as she can, to get water running in as many homes as possible, and take care of restoration after. As much as possible, she doesn’t want anyone who comes to her waiting for water. Some people are on a two-week waiting list.

Love and care and help and hugs – we didn’t have to seek those necessities any more than warm beds and food. And our dear ones have stayed with us, checking us, sharing updates, and food so that we don’t have to worry about it as we try to organize our chaos.

Now, a few days after the fiasco, we have power and water. The weather is back to normal, too. We also have holes in our ceilings, bubbling walls, and damaged floors, amongst other issues. We've been trying to organize our upstairs, which has become our new apartment for a while.  

And our hearts are full. Our loved ones have continued checking on us, making sure we're okay, that we don't need anything. They've provided beautiful meals, touched base. Friends have called.
Our little grandchildren "ninja'ed" kolaches and donuts for our breakfast this morning and baked cake for us. 

And all, I know, are concerned and wishing us well with all their hearts.

What a reminder to take nothing and no one for granted. I'm just so thankful. 

And the garden? I won’t say “what garden”. I have not forgotten it. But it's stronger and better than I gave it credit for. It can take care of itself for a while.

Thank you -- you all know who you are. Thank you and God bless you.
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