The Simple Life

Starting to engage in life again after a hurricane is very eye-opening. We forget how much we take for granted...from having a secure house over our head, to the convenience of going to Wal-Mart and finding any kind of food we want. We have running water, gas stations are at our disposal on every corner, and time never seems to be too much of a factor when we really need, or shall I say, want something.

We are blessed to be some of the residents who have power and running water...and quite honestly, without seeing debris and mangled storage buildings throughout our neighborhood, you really can't tell our area was the recipient of Ike. You really can't tell things are all that different until you notice all of the children playing in the streets, and neighbors standing out visiting with one another. No one is worried about schedules, clothes or makeup for that matter, and what they "should be doing." Things are very simple here now...people coming together like communities used to in the days of when front porches were actually a priceless commodity to a home. I stood in line today to enter Wal-Mart...we were backed up outside from one set of doors to the other...all waiting our turn to ransack the store of those things we think we may need in the near future. The employees were handing out bottled water to Lumberton residents and those from neighboring towns, as this Wal-Mart was the only one opened. Everyone seemed to have gas cans in their carts as they patiently waited to see if any more milk was going to be put out. I was amazed at how much talking was going on...people were actually talking to one another...as if to be bonding in this "thing" that brought us all together. Time was actually on our side for once, as there was no real hurry to do anything or to go anywhere...(as if you could anyway without power) you just had to wait your turn. I actually met a very nice man who was explaining that he needed a chain for his saw before he could begin his clean up recovery. I would not have met this man, of name I do not know, on any regular day. He would have been too busy. I would have been too busy. But today...life is simple. And today, life is good. As much as I would like to get back to our family's routine, I hope the hustle and bustle doesn't consume us too soon.