Derecho

Last week was a hard one. Many of us in Iowa dealt with adversity like we haven’t seen. Personally, I went without power from last Monday until Thursday night. There was much scrambling and much clean up that had to happen. The sounds in the air were generators and chainsaws. The thing that was most promising however was how people came together. People reaching out to help and for help. And knowing that you are not going through something alone is very powerful.

I admit, I had a hard time last week. I cried when the power came back on. It was stressful and unpleasant. I also know that I didn’t have it as bad as some. So it was a time to take stock. I found myself seeking to remember things I am grateful for. It became a little ritual when I felt overwhelmed with the heat and the fast food, the stuff slowly melting in the freezer, and the dogs. I spent a lot of time in cars to cool off, including the dogs in that, of course. And my car, and ability to charge my phone, and someplace safe and cool for my parents to sleep, and the safety of those I love became things I focused on in order to manage the stress of my world being so out of control.

When things are hard, I think it is more difficult to remember the things you are grateful for. But that is also the time when it is most necessary. Understanding that the rug can be pulled out from under us at any point is a hard lesson. And I think we have been forced to face that again and again, particularly this year. To ward against the feeling that all is lost, or that things are too hard, focus on your blessings and let people know that you are thankful for them, for their help, for their kindness, or for their presence. We all can use a little reminder that we are important and we are valued in times of struggle. That shared strength can be a lifesaver.