I like to watch survival shows. You know, the ones where contestants are dropped off and have to survive with nothing but a pot and a map. Sitting in my nice, comfy recliner with a glass of chocolate milk nearby, I tell my husband, Rick, what I would do if I were to be dropped off in the middle of no where.
He usually smiles and says, “Would you now?”
I was dropped off this week, sort of. We went to sleep last Thursday night with water and power only to wake up the next morning with pure devastation all around us. Mother Nature’s offspring, Helene, made me realize just how spoiled I am.
Each morning, I like to start my day with a cup of coffee and each evening I end my day with a nice glass of cold, chocolate milk. Friday morning, realizing that I could not just flip a switch and have my delicious hot caffeinated brew, I had what I thought was a moment of genius.
I boiled some water on our grill, using limbs from our burn barrel, and had a good ol’ cup of instant Joe. I also made some scrambled eggs and ham in my cast iron skillet on the grill. I was still thinking to myself, “Yeah, I could survive anywhere.”
Then, evening came and I wanted a good glass of cold chocolate milk. After being hot, tired and overwhelmed, I got a little sassy with Rick. He did what he always does and went scouring through town looking for what would make me happy.
After a long weekend I started to miss things. No, I did not misplace anything. I knew exactly where my daily routine items were — they just weren’t working.
Two days of being without modern conveniences I realized I was an emotional, sassy mess. If I were in the middle of nowhere I would not voluntarily stay in the wilderness. I would have already “tapped out”.
Helene reminded me I have everything I need and most of everything I want.
My family is healthy and happy, my home luckily was not damaged and I live in a community that I truly love.
The Blackshear Times has made many posts over the past few days.
We’ve made posts about churches and other local businesses feeding the community, as well as where residents could find ice, water and other necessities. This is what we do. Your local hometown newspaper is here to be the voice and historian of Pierce County. We are here for you.
I realized I am spoiled and there is no way I could be dropped off in the middle of nowhere without air conditioning, a warm cozy bed, something entertaining to watch and my nightly glass of chocolate milk. I am happy and thankful!
Thank you, Helene, for reminding me of what is truly important in life.
Thank you, Pastor Daniel Harris and Laura Chapel Church, for being so gracious in delivering food right to our door. Thank you, Pierce County, for coming together and helping each other in the midst of a disaster.
And to my sweetheart, thank you for making sure I have my chocolate milk.
