By Georgia Osten
As I sit here and reflect over the past couple of weeks, I realize how blessed we are. So much devastation all around us, we have so much to be thankful for. Our family urged us over and over again to leave the beach, “come to our house in Pearland or League City”. We, of course told them we would if things got worse, but we stayed home. We filled up the bathtub and stocked up on bottled water in anticipation of the threat of losing our water. We spent a fortune having the generator fixed and the propane tank filled. I bought the only ice cube trays WalMart had left. We sandbagged the front door, tied down all the outdoor furniture, and hunkered down throughout all the rain and wind. I’m on my second jigsaw puzzle and my husband – only God knows how many crossword puzzles he’s worked. Cabin fever sets in quickly.
For my birthday, the electricity went out for over 24 hours, but we still had good ol’ comforting soul food – black-eyed peas, pork chops & cornbread.
I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts of my children in those flooded areas where they live, venturing out to help those less fortunate, cooking for first responders and storm victims – Operation BBQ Relief and ripping out sheetrock and foundations for flooded friends.
My children still remembered years ago (2005) when we went to the Astrodome to hand out clothing, water and food to victims of Katrina. They were just kids then, but they went along with us eagerly. Guess it paid off, here they are grownups and still willingly venturing out to help the less fortunate.
There’s always an opportunity to help out, to lift a hand to humanity. Just take a look around your neighborhood. A relief station has been set up at the strip center, accepting donations from the west to load onto trucks to be sent to the east. Lend a hand if you’re able. All efforts are appreciated.
Here’s a huge shout out to all our first responders!! Our fire departments and road and bridge personnel have selflessly been working day in and day out for our safety, and the communication has been phenomenal. Next time you see one of them (too countless to name them all), go a little out of your way to give them a pat on the back, an Atta Boy, a hug, or just a simple “Thanks.”
[9-4-2017]
GO’s Sand Bucket is only one beach bum’s journal of life at the beach, probably something each of you can relate to. Please feel free to email me with your thoughts, visions and/or feelings of just exactly what the beach means to you. Email: [email protected]
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