Most of the hurricanes that pound the south Texas coast seem to miss our area in the Rio Grande Valley. Usually, they hit farther north. It wasn’t until Saturday morning, July 25 that I started believing that Hurricane Hanna was actually going to slam the Valley.
Preparing for Hurricane Hanna
Crazily, we prepared for the storm by heading to stores and stocking up on food, including freezer and refrigerated items. As we were checking out at Sam’s Club, I commented, “This is probably the worst time to get my month’s supply of meat.” We shrugged and did it anyway.
The kids wanted to start our evening movie early, since they were afraid we would lose power and wouldn’t get to finish it. Priorities I tell ya! I was a bit uneasy and kept checking my phone to see the status of the storm as we could hear the strong winds swirling about the house.
When the movie was over, we looked outside and noticed a section of our back fence was down. It was the first moment that Jason, never having lived though a hurricane, began to think he should have done more to prepare. Like a mad man, he went out into the weather to secure loose items in the backyard and on the porch. Then we prayed for the best and went to sleep!
Celebrating our 23rd Anniversary
I didn’t know if we’d get to celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary when I woke up Sunday morning. Hurricane Hanna still swirled about. Jumping out of bed, we began assessing damage. We watched in horror as our street flooded and the canal rose behind our house and filled to about two feet from the top. Jason spent the morning madly taking out branches and cleaning up the yard during lulls. Miraculously, we still had power!
It was about midday when the storm began to calm and our street cleared, that Jason said he thought we could try to go out to celebrate our anniversary! I was so excited and a little scared. Streets all around us were flooded and power was out in places all over the city. We made several U-turns to avoid flooded streets, passed 1001 closed restaurants, and finally ended up at Yard House. It was the perfect spot to celebrate, and we had the place to ourselves. The food was fantastic and they even gifted us an anniversary dessert.
Our little hurricane escape dinner was magical! I’d say the day sums up our 23 years of marriage—many hurricanes in life as well as magical moments. Through it all we have kept our sense of humor. Jason, he is my hurricane! Happy anniversary to us! 🙂
Hurricane Hanna Aftermath
We never lost power throughout the storm. It was such a gift, especially since both my parents’ house and my sister’s family lost power early in the storm. Can you believe it wasn’t restored for FIVE days? My house became a revolving door for my family, and sometimes their animals, trying to escape the heat.
Remember all that food that I foolishly bought right before the hurricane? What a blessing that my home was fully stocked, as I ended up hosting family for 5 days. God knew we would need it!
We all survived the storm, with just minor (I think) repairs and cleanup that needs to be done. Whew!
Chalk up one more doozy for 2020!
Happy Anniversary, Esther!
Grateful to know that your family weathered Hurricane Hanna without any major damage, injuries, or power outages, and that you & Jason were still able to celebrate you anniversary!!
How come, after 23 years of marriage, you still look as beautiful as you did on your wedding day? You never seem to age!!!
Thanks for sharing about all your adventures and keeping us smiling = )
Blessings ~ Deb
Oh, thank you sooooo much! 🙂 Life is an adventure and things seem to be getting continuously more…exciting! lol I so appreciate you taking the time to comment. It made my day!