Dear Addie,
This week Mother Nature decided to throw a little excitement our way, by sending a hurricane on track to slam straight into our North Carolina coast. This event inevitably sent us all into “this is not a drill mode” hoping for the best but preparing for the worst of what the storm could potentially bring.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from our predictably unpredictable journey is that a hurricane’s path described by many of meteorologists as of late is pretty much the same. Predictable that it’s indeed coming, yet unpredictable in a sense that it doesn’t always follow a straight course and can take a variety of twists and turns, leaving a path of unknown destruction. So be prepared!
As parents it is our job to keep our children safe and calm especially in times when such a disaster may be imminent. In an already challenging world for you, it was super important that our preparedness included things that you know and love to comfort you in the impending change of your surrounding environment. The last thing we needed in a hurricane was a hurricane of a meltdown brewing inside our own home!
Let the preparations begin!
With your enjoyment of rainy-day swinging (sans lightning or thunder) I knew keeping you out of tropical storm force winds and rain was going to be our first big challenge! Indoor sensory equipment safety check was on the priority list - platform swing good, trampoline good, ok check and check! Prayers that redirecting you to these things when necessary goes smoothly - check!
Next up, food and water. We have gathered plenty of snacks and drinks for everyone from beef jerky to trail mix (or for some of our family members - from pink squares to onions!). We are well stocked up in all your favorites! I mean aren’t onions on everybody’s disaster food supply list?!?!
With devices charged, cars gassed up, medications filled, extra diapers on hand, a surplus of batteries, flashlights and candles ready to go, we were getting closer to what was to come.
Last thing left was prepping the yard by putting away furniture, lawn equipment and toys. There was almost an eerie silence as we stood outside. Our beloved wind chimes were now packed away and were no longer ringing the sweet sounds as the wind blew through. You happily sat just enjoying the breeze on your face, innocently unaware of what was to come.
This was the calm before the storm.
Addie, we may not know what is coming our way, but we are as prepared as we can be, together one team, one dream.
Deep breaths.
I love you,
Mom
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