"Something told me, and God reassured me that while we are here, we will not experience a hurricane." I listened as my wife talked about our luck with the weather in Antigua. Our conversation continued, and I remembered Hurricanes Tammy, Beryl, and Phillippe.
Since 2018, several hurricanes have emptied buckets of water and pushed strong winds throughout Antigua and Barbuda. While a Category 5 storm has not directly hit us, we have experienced unprecedented wind speeds, flooded roads, broken fences, and property damage. Nothing in our six years on this island comes close to what I've seen online about Hurricane Milton's destructive path.
One of our friends from Tampa Bay evacuated ahead of the storm and returned to missing roof shingles, a shattered gate, and no power.
My aunt and uncle in Florida also lost electricity.
Have you talked with family and friends living in areas impacted by the storms? If not, consider this blog post a nudge to check in.
Meteorologists predicted a Category five on Monday but lowered the rating by Thursday. Although the storm did not slam the West Coast as expected, people died, and properties were damaged.
Like hurricanes, life is unpredictable.
One day, the water is calm, and we can float with the current. The next day, it is rough, full of rip tides, and life-threatening.
We often experience moments of stability followed by seasons of challenges. It's essential to learn how to navigate and manage both times. Self-care must become a priority.
While exercising with students this week, we talked about the stressors of medical school. They shared, and I listened to their concerns about managing multiple responsibilities and learning the curriculum. As we maintained a moderate running pace, I offered advice and encouraged them to push through the struggle.
I emphasized the value of perseverance and accomplishing difficult tasks in preparation for a medical career and life in general.
When life's storms endanger our existence, we must choose the best paths to survive. We can prepare, sit, and wait for difficulties to arrive. Like Floridians with resources and abilities, we can also flee and avoid problems.
Circumstances and the support available often dictate options. There will be pros and cons with every decision.
As much as we want to predict and control outcomes, it's only sometimes possible. There are moments when we must act and figure it out along the way.
When we moved to Antigua, my wife predicted we wouldn't get hit by any major storms. Her expectations were met to a degree.
If Hurricanes Helene or Milton impacted you, your family or friends, trust it is possible to recover from these storms. You will need to rebuild in some instances, but you will figure out how to continue living. Identify the type of assistance you need, and start the process.
The American Red Cross has resources available to help individuals and families displaced by recent natural disasters.
From the Caribbean islands, our thoughts, prayers, and positive energy are with you and your family.
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