Storm danger So, our Daughter and Son who live nearby were without power for 9 days after the recent ice storms. A late evening text to say they'd lost power and to ask if they could come over the next morning was all that was necessary to get my worry going. Did they have enough blankets to stay warm enough overnight? Did they have extra water since the pump to their well was out? Was it going to be icier the next morning and would they be okay to drive over? My Daughter and Son are quite intelligent and capable people and they were obviously already prepared to take action. They had flashlights, candles, water, blankets. My sense of worry was not really about them -- it was a response to a storm endangering mine. It's that Mom response to danger which never really subsides no matter that our children are adults. Home, but not at home So, our Daughter and Son who live nearby were without power for 9 days after the recent ice storms. It felt wonderful to open our door, welcome them with arms open wide, and to live with them day-by-day as the outage continued. I know they were grateful for a place to stay -- it was thoughtful how often one or the other would check in with us to make sure it was still okay to stay and that they were not causing any pet peeves to rear their ugly heads. The weather improved but the power continued to not return. Over the course of the week-plus of their stay we watched the power company's information on their web site improve day-by-day. We watched the number of lines restored and heard about the trees and limbs being cleaned up. Daughter and Son returned to work, one driving back and forth each day to a job near their home. They visited the apartment to get clean clothes, clean out the fridge as much as possible and generally make sure everything was good with their landlords. And, still, Daughter and Son did not get a phone call letting them know the power was back on. And still we waited. The most difficult aspect of their visit was knowing that they longed to be in their own home. Being displaced for the second time in a year -- they evacuated for the fires -- is not easy. Who doesn't want the comfort and ease of their own home? Even after a vacation, it's wonderful to return home. So, they were home with us but not at home. Which is an odd feeling as a parent. Just living together So, our Daughter and Son who live nearby were without power for 9 days after the recent ice storms. Finally, the call came late Saturday night: the power was back on! And Daughter and Son returned to their sweet, little apartment the next day. I am thankful we are blessed to be able to share our home with our adult children whenever they need a safe place to regroup. It's wonderful to cook food for more than just the two of us. It's fun to play games with them in the evenings. It was just really nice to have them around and to be together for an extended period of time that was not a vacation. It was nice to be just living together. It was so nice, the Boss whispered to me one evening -- early in the week -- that he felt bad for hoping just a little bit that it would be longer before their electricity came back on. What I miss during the pandemic is the power, the energy being together gives. And I hope you are able to find ways to be with your people as we move forward -- ways which don't include a disaster or some other uncontrollable event! Nonna
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Nonna's Thoughts are for busy parents who are looking for practical knowledge, and a bit of laughter, in growing strong, joyful families.
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