The Big Four of 04 The day Hurricane Charley came to Florida was the day we settled my dad into a rehab center after his fall and broken hip. Heartbroken. The day Frances came to town was the day we had to make gut wrenching decisions for Dads care due to medical error sepsis and his subsequent multiple organ failure. The black night of that storm was so difficult knowing Mom was riding it out in the hospital with him. I dont think I have ever felt so helpless and torn. My children needed me...it had been a difficult month. In the storms aftermath, we had no power for days, our neighborhood looked like Armageddon, the hospital was discharging us and there was no bed at Hospice. Not my best moment. But God made a way where there was no way and soon we had Dad comfortable at Estelles. On September 8th, Dad was suddenly present and I was blessed to have a conversation every child would love to have with a beloved parent. That was the last I would have of him on this earth. He passed the morning of the 9th and was buried on the 11th while Ocala dug out. Then came Ivan. By Gods Grace, we did not lose power or my mother, her strength. Jeanne, also left us relatively unscathed. I became proficient at hurricane prep and clean up. The kids were actually happy to get back to a school routine. I know so many had it so worse...loss of property, loss of jobs, loss of life. All of us who weathered the big 4 have stories. I heard of a gal in Ocala who also lost her father during the storm. He passed in her home and because of trees down, it was quite difficult to get his body. !0 years later, I do not like hurricane season. I miss my dad. I am astounded by my mothers resilience. I pray for all the wonderful medical people that care for the elderly and ill day after day, even in hurricanes. It is hitting me hard this year. Dad would be proud, Ryan starts Dartmouth 10 years to the day and Emily starts her seminar in Kindergarten. Smiling at all the blessings even in storms.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 18:50:42 +0000
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