Ike Aftermath...and My "New Normal"

I have a million pictures I want to share with y'all, a million more things I want to tell you about, and not enough time or space to successfully do either. But I will try.

The most important thing I need to say is thank you. So many people have reached out to me in some way over the past couple of weeks, and I cannot fully express how grateful I am or how much it has meant to me. Everything from a much needed phone call or message, to opening up your home to me, to free meals...thank you.

So, I know it's been a while since I last posted. I have been staying in Galveston, and have not had internet access. Yesterday we were able to check our e-mail at a FEMA station on the island. Tonight there are 5 of us staying with a lady from our program who lives in League City and has been kind enough to open up her home to whoever needs a place to stay.

Mary Alice and I drove onto the island bright and early Thursday morning. The interstate is lined with debris from the storm. There are countless boats covering the median and grassy areas beside the the roadways. Cops are everywhere, watching for looters, directing traffic, and helping to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

Before we went to work on my apartment, we decided to drive around the island. It seems like every street, every home, and every business was somehow affected by Ike. People's homes are destroyed. People's family businesses are gone. There are trash piles everywhere, and they all smell less than pleasant. But they are filled with children's toys, furniture, books, photos...you name it, and it's on the curb.

Regardless of what I lost, and how this storm has affected me, I feel fortunate. I know it can all be replaced, and somehow it will be replaced. I've had a place to stay since we evacuated. I've been surrounded by people I love, and love me. This storm has completely devistated some people's entire lives, in every way possible.

Okay...so my apartment. Well, it did not fair well. The path up to the door was covered with debris that we had to clear away. We opened the door, and had to walk away. The smell was beyond horribble. I cannot explain just how bad everything in my apartment smelled. GROSS. I was able to save a TV, some DVDs, a kitchen table, side table, some clothes, a couple pairs of shoes, dishes, and some decorations. Everything else, gone. 2 bedroom, fully furnished apartment, flooded and moldy, and put in a trash pile.

It's the things that cannot be replaced that were the hardest. Journals I've written in for years. Bibles that important people in my life have given me. Photo album. My favorite books. First guitar. Gifts. Yes, they're just worldly possessions, but some of these things have sentimental value. Bedding, towels, furniture, appliances, clothes, shoes, school books, tv, decorations, movies, games...all important to me, but all can be replaced in time. I realize now that most things in my life have been a luxury, and not essential for everyday life.

But there is a certain comfort in being surrounded by the things you've chosen, the things you've decorated your home with, and the things you love. There's a comfort in having somewhat of a routine, a purpose, and your own safe haven to relax.

Now I have a new normal. I actually just finished talking with some other girls from my class, and we decided that we all have a new normal...and nothing's normal. I'm living with my friend Mary Alice indefinitely. Her apartment finally got power and water. But the water still isn't safe to drink. We get ice, water, and food from FEMA. And for the past few days, Kroger has provided free hot lunch. TIDE set up a mobile station where they wash a load of clothes for us for free. I realize now how much the little things make a difference, and just how far a kind gesture really goes. There's not much open on the island at all. It's interesting to say the least. For now, we share her car. We share her school books. We share her apartment. I'm invading her space, and she's okay with it. She's welcoming. I appreciate it more than ever.

My parents came Friday, without a UHaul, and took home the rest of my clothes. They are being specially washed by my mom and aunt. My family is awesome.

I love my friends, I love my family. I'm doing okay, and I know I'll be just fine. No, this is not what I expected to happen in a million years, but it's just a little bump in the road...our theme has become LAUGH SO YOU DON'T CRY.

Soon I will post pictures...so stay tuned!