I think I have done all that I can, that we can. This includes crying out of fear and uncertainty. Yesterday representatives from the fire department came by to check on who was staying and who was going from The Palace. The Lt. was quite sure we'd be fine sitting it out on the 3rd floor as far as the surge goes, and he didn't expect we would get the winds the beaches area will experience. Hurricane Matthew is causing me terrible upset! Oh, and we know it's all about me, don't we? There are others who stayed in my building, at least 3 on this floor and some upstairs. Boy, I sure wish Dick and Debbie were in town, but again, that's about me. I am glad they are away from all this as they have enough stress to deal with in their lives.
I find myself walking room to room, thinking of what else I should/could be doing to make sure we have what we need, and that things are protected. We/I are sure all about the things. Last month we had a lady at church lose her home and almost all her belongings other than what she could fit in her car. What would I do? My heart breaks for her, and am glad that we at church could step up and lend a hand to get back up and running again. If things go terribly wrong here and I lose all my belongings, my treasures, well, I can't face that right now. Sadly, my testament of faith is not what it should be right, guess I can dish it out but not take it?? Shame on me! One of our readings from last Sunday had the passage where the disciples pleaded with Jesus to increase their faith. This is my prayer as well.
What do I know? This building is a fortress (at least it has been!) and it also leaks like a sieve. Right now, dealing with the leaks is less a concern than my windows holding. Justin has some finishing touches on the plastic he put up yesterday to better seal it off in my room. We used shower liners, plastic tarp from Dollar Store, and a painter's drop cloth. At first the plan did not work and he got frustrated but I persuaded him to try again using a different method or place for them and it seemed to work. They are in place, at least, which gives me calm. We also have duct tape but he is reluctant to use it, thinking it won't stick to the wood or something. I hope he will try it.
This a.m. I was awake about 3:30 or so and that was it for me. Went to bed early because of not sleeping much the night before and did manage to sleep. I feel like I could sleep again right now, and wish I would sleep until tomorrow. But I have prowling to do, picking stuff up and putting it down again, moving things from pillar to post. My back is bothering me from doing this so it helps to sit for a bit. We have food but I have little appetite, but should have something with my ibuprofen.
Justin and I are hunkering in the back bedroom for the storm itself so want to have things with me, thinking I will work on stuff. Somehow I doubt that will happen but I have to try to focus on something other than destruction. It's like Justin says, if the house is damaged, it's going to happen whether we are here or not, and if we're here, we can start dealing with it. I went to sleep praying and woke up praying to the Lord for His mercy on us, on all of us. My thoughts are messed up but this is sure, God is our refuge and strength!
