Grace was very anxious about the storm. Super, super worried, constantly asking for updates. It’s possible that her parents were talking about it too much. I was interviewed by a reporter from ABC about the topic: article is here.
On Saturday morning we participated in the great harbor-town tradition of hauling dinghies on the day before a hurricane.
On Saturday night the four of us went out for Chinese food. This was my fortune. May be my favorite fortune ever.
Sunday morning was rainy though not yet very windy. I took Grace and Whit out for a walk around the neighborhood. I knew we were going to be inside for most of the day and wanted them to get a little bit of exercise. Grace was nervous, Whit and I both loved the rain and still-gentle wind (notice his hood not up).
Kaboom. Big tree branch down right next to our house (that’s our white picket fence). It took down power and cable lines, but blessedly ours stayed on. The street was blocked all day and based on my unscientific survey on this morning’s run it is the worst tree-power combo in our part of town. Another inexpert observation, because today is trash day: a lot of people spent yesterday cleaning out their basements (including us).
We were all going bananas, and the wind had let up a lot. So off we went to Whole Foods and Home Depot, driving around checking out the damage (not much), car windows down to try to get some fresh air.
In the morning, without thinking about it, it I had said sure we can stay in our pajamas all day. Whit held me to that promise.
And over dinner we discussed what part of Irene had been the worst. Grace thought for a moment and said, “well, I think the worrying about it.” Teachable moment: the anticipation is almost always worse than the reality. I’m still trying to learn this myself.
So, so true. This is beautiful, Lindsey, in it’s transparency and it’s clarity about the way we all go through these sorts of things.
I was about Whit’s age during the worst hurricane of my childhood on the Cape. Irene was eerily similar and all day, I sort of paid attention to that child like part of me, reassuring myself that life would go on, that I was safe, that life is good.
Thanks for this view…
XOXO
Nothing like the majesty (and power) of nature to make you count your blessings! (Not to mention those little smiles.)
Whit and I would definitely be besties. I love staying in my jammies all day.
The anticipation of what may happen is something I constantly worry about. Grace possesses some incredible insight at her age. Glad you are all safe.
Precious! What wisdom 🙂
Glad you’re all safe. I felt like Grace did — pretty wrought with fear and anxiety, being worse than the actual event, thank goodness! As with you, limited damage: 2 big branches down; a tree on a neighbor’s house, but safe in life and limb. I’m still waiting to learn, too…
And in very many ways it seems to have been the perfect family day. I’ve missed stopping by, God-willing, I’ll have more free time moving forward. xo
I love this post (and your beautiful kids and home)
A little late here, but your picture of the kids on the steps really struck me. Your daughter’s eyes look so deep – deep introspectively deep. There is a lot going on there.