This past week’s devastation from hurricane Helene was…an adventure. While many of us may still be without power or internet, there are many in our area who have encountered significant loss this week and my heart goes out to them.

Every difficulty presents an opportunity to learn. Here are a few things that I learned from hurricane Helene:

• We take a lot for granted
• We have much to be thankful for
• Having no electricity stinks
• Cold showers don’t take very long
• It’s amazing what can be cooked on a grill
• When the power is out, wi-fi is down and all the devices are dead, we spend a lot more time together (hmmm)
• When there is no power we go to bed a lot earlier than usual and get up a lot earlier than usual
• Keep a case or two of bottled water on hand
• Good friendships are valuable and worth developing and protecting
• Drivers-ed should be required because clearly, not everyone knows what to do when traffic signals are out
• Gas chainsaws still rule
• It’s possible to live (and for the better) without social media, TV, the news or movies
• I love to see neighbors helping neighbors
• We need to be thankful and show our appreciation to the many linesmen and first responders who have worked tirelessly to help us
• Every day of safety is a gift from God

As we continue our cleanup, let’s remember those around us and be thankful for the protection we have been shown.