While this is not going to hold true for a great many as daylight breaks for those of us who were in the path of Hurricane Irma, I am counting my blessings.

Somewhere around 10 pm the strong winds began accompanied by rain who came well ahead of the winds.  The wind.  I have never in my life heard such a sound.  Accompanied by incessant tornado warnings and reports of local touchdowns, I could feel my heart racing.  “Jesus, I trust in you”, over and over and over.  Living St. Paul’s exhortation to “pray without ceasing” took on a whole new life.  Hubby, the kids and the animals slept.  Somewhere around 2 a.m. I joined them for a few hours.

Around 5, I tried to let the dog out to do his business but as we stood in the backyard doing a quick survey, the wind was too freaky and we both hightailed it back inside.  I see our fence is intact although our neighbor’s fence is leaning.  We have minimal water in the backyard (so far).

I am grateful.  For my family who is safe.  That I followed my instinct to get our son home yesterday, because he’d be stuck now.  A house that is still standing.  Power.  Coffee pre-made and heated up this morning.

Continued prayers as the storm heads toward my family and friends in North Florida and Georgia.

For now, I am charging my phone.  Drinking my coffee.  Praying some more and waiting for the next round of updates from friends and family.

Peace.