Hurricane Irma | A Teaching Moment

/ Luanne Shernisky

Many of us affected by Hurricane Irma are still waiting for water and electricity, but grateful to be alive.

    The temperature forecast for today is 88 degrees. Right now I’m sitting outside in the shade enjoying a pleasant breeze.

    Being without running water is a new experience for me. I’m not enjoying it so far. 

    Thankfully there’s a pool that provides us water to flush the toilets and an opportunity to cool down from the day’s heat. 

    I know there are tens of thousands of people across Florida waiting for their lives to be restored. Schools and businesses remain closed.

    All we can do is wait. But, it’s important to reflect on the citizens living in poverty on the Caribbean Islands. Or people who lack clean water in other parts of the world. Those who live their entire lives without electricity. 

    All these things we take for granted, without a second thought.

    Be aware today when you turn on the faucet or adjust the thermostat, that many people never know those luxuries. 

    We here in Florida will eventually get ours back. But so many live in extreme poverty in a world where there is so much excess. 

    While we can’t solve all these issues for all the people, it’s important to be aware that inequality on all levels exists. And then do what we can to change that.

    It’s also important to count our blessings and be grateful for the resources to overcome our hardships. Resources that aren’t available to everyone.

    I know Florida Power & Light is working diligently to restore service, as well as the water company.

    In the meantime, I’ll conserve my battery by utilizing pen and paper…and daylight!

    7 thoughts on “Hurricane Irma | A Teaching Moment”

    3. My current job requires I that I be FEMA certified which means I could not evacuate prior to Irma. I stayed and reported in to an evacuation shelter for special needs. Mostly those who are oxygen dependent. 48 hours later, when I could return home for the first time, I didn’t care whether I had power or not. I was just happy I had a home! And a bed to fall into! 🙂 I did not have power, and didn’t have it until the following day, but I did not care. My home still stood, and my belongings were safe.

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    4. I think being without water would be a particular challenge, and I think of all those who live their lives without the niceties we take for granted, the areas of the world where the devastation would be complete after a hurricane, not a temporary inconvenience. I don’t make light of the totality of losses those living in the path of recent Hurricanes suffered, but I am thankful and mystified that I live in a country that can rebuild after a storm. Mystified, because why me? Yet, of course, the poor living in Texas, Florida, and so many other areas will struggle for years, rebuilding their lives, and the struggle has a high cost.

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