Hurricane Ike

No doubt there will be many a post about what Hurricane Ike brought the gulf coast. As a resident of Houston, we have watched our neighbors, friends and families endure Katrina, Rita, and Gustav. The tides turned and unfortunately brought Ike right to our door step. The past few days have been a blur of boarding up and preparing; riding out the storm and watching as those to the south of us lost homes, lives and belongings. It is sad beyond any mere words can adequately express to see our seashore town of Galveston blown away. I did not grow up here. As a military child, my family moved many times across the U.S. But, we were stationed twice in El Paso and vacationed one summer in Galveston. There was a sea shell shop on the sea wall where my parents bought us sea shells. My mother still has some of those shells. As an adult who relished strolling down the sea wall and wading on the sandy shore, I recall fondly that trip to the sea shell shop. Those memories can not be washed away by a storm. Oddly enough I had hoped to spend a weekend soon in Galveston. Galveston has always provided solace for me. And, I know for many, many others. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore. Watching the sea gulls. It would be easy to curse that sea, but that would not return the material parts of Galveston. Instead, my heart and prayers turn to those who have lost their sea treasures, knowing that one day soon Galveston will be restored. And another child will be drawn to its shores in search of shells. Last night, and again this morning, mother nature presented a very different landscape. A sunset awash with colors and a brilliant full moon. Cooler temperatures and a clear blue sky. Perhaps that is easier to see for those of us who only have the inconvenience of no electricity and yard clean-up. A bit more difficult for those who have endured the brunt of Ike. Or maybe not. For those that love the sea are a hardy bunch indeed. This mere visitor to your shore is grateful for every seaside stroll. And wishes you all God-speed as you awaken today to start anew. Perhaps infused with the enthusiasm that drew you to the shore for the very first time. We mourn with you for your loss. And pray that recovery is swift. And, most importantly, hope that your venerable spirit has not been dampened by Ike.