After the Storm

Good morning Tampa Bay! We can all breathe a sigh of relief the storm has passed. Being a Floridian for 30 years I am typically over prepared, and under enthused – I am after all married to a civil engineer for the stormwater department. Nothing says true Florida native like sleeping through a category 1 hurricane.  

The second the sun goes into hiding; I tend to do the same. While haphazardly listening to the weather channel and grabbing a snack, I can’t help but remember the times I would spend with my children on such a day. We would make homemade play dough out of Kool-Aid, spread it over our wooden table that had their names carved underneath, and while it was still warm part it in fours for each of them to share. The time spent agonizing over whose turn it was to pick a movie for the day, has turned into me flipping through channels with Sandi by my side. I subconsciously turn on one of my son’s favorite series, the Matrix. But who doesn’t love Keanu Reeves?  

So instead of chaos and crafts, I have chardonnay and charcuterie. After finding something to turn on and settling into my spot on the couch I grab my green and white quilt my mother gave me I feel nothing but blessed. Not only to have such good memories with my kids, but also time now to enjoy my peace. Something about the rain brings reflection. Maybe it’s the water or it’s the way it renews. But sitting here with the shades drawn, I still catch the sun peeking through the clouds, promising tomorrow will bring back the sun.  

I look forward to tomorrow and the many things that are on my “to do list”, but for now I am content to relish in the pitter patter of the rain drops and the opportunity to rest and refresh.  

Grateful the storm has passed…