Mommy Moments

Thanks For the Reminder, Irma

By Melanie Lewis

Every day, we go through our lives with what we need in order to care for our children. We’re caught up in the daily grind. But, thinking about chores, laundry, work, or how to organize the linen closet is nothing compared to the urgency of a hurricane. I found myself framing these activities in a new light; and a deeper appreciation for things that belong.

I was reluctantly organizing the kids’ back-to-school clothes. Annoyed with the kids for getting their things so messy, I was wishing I could get more accomplished during the day. There was a long list of repairs, phone calls, shopping, etc. Then, the news of Hurricane Harvey in Houston came on the TV. WOW! Now all the stuff I was boxing up appeared to be a liability to me – extra things that didn’t help us. Piles of debris in Texas were once everyone else’s mess. Some of my organizing groups in Houston said that they were glad they had already cleared out their basements, garages and crawl spaces. All the stuff would have been destroyed. They also mentioned they didn’t need to replace everything that was lost, they were the ones who were lost and consuming way more than needed. Less is more.

Another message that came clear was that the most important things are the people in our lives. We can show gratitude for the lives we have in whatever form they take. We took care of our children and the disabled. We took care of ourselves. We are better equipped by being our fittest; physically, spiritually and mentally so that we can better withstand the storm, aid others and bounce back. Taking care of others starts by taking care of ourselves. We can do more together than alone.

Then, Hurricane Irma danced its way to Florida. First east coast, then west coast. Another chance at hurricane preparedness for everyone. The newscasters were saying “giving fatigue”. People were tired of hearing and giving bad news. Well, this mom is tired of hearing the newscasters! I watched old westerns instead. The perseverance of the frontiersmen and women in shows like “Death Valley Days” was inspiring! People were without food, water, shelter, attacked by Indians, and robbed by outlaws. Those people held on tightly to their dreams and hopes, cherished the infinitesimal moments they had with family members and friends. Groups banded together with their prayers and love for doing good. They didn’t give up!

Thank you, Irma, for teaching that there will always be another storm, but it’s how we approach it that makes the difference.