August 27, 2011
My worries
Right now there’s a storm brewing outside. The rain is getting harder and so is the wind. We are in the middle of Hurricane Irene in this last weekend of August 2011. It is the first hurricane NY has seen in decades. The northeast of the country has been preparing for weeks for this storm, but ultimately there is just so much people can do when faced with natural disasters. States that has experienced the wrath of Irene has been pummeled so far: Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and so on. New York is next. The next 12- 14 hours are supposed to be the worst time frame for us here in the metropolitan area. Those in areas close to water (Zone A) has already evacuated to shelters less likely to be damaged by the storm. Luckily I am in Zone C, the area that still has a chance to be affected but a very small chance. It is only an evacuation zone if the hurricane is categorized as category 3 or 4. Fortunately and hopefully it stays that way, Irene is only a category 1 – 2. Right now, I worry about a couple of things. First I worry that the power will go out. I’m hoping it wouldn’t because I do not want to relive the blackout again. No internet, no TV, no video games. The horror. Secondly, I worry about potential flooding in my basement and in the room that leads to the backyard of my house. We have taken the necessary precautions, I just hope they’re enough. Third, I worry about the huge tree across the street from my house. As I type this entry, the branches are swinging to the rhythm of the wind which seems to be picking up speed. I hope this old timer has enough in it to keep it together and not lose a limb or worse, topple over on a house or a car, specifically my car and or house. Fourth, I’m worried about my windows. I really hope they can withstand the wind that’s going to be jabbing at them at up to 80mph. Hopefully that figure is exaggerated, but if it’s not then I hope my windows are strong enough. Last but not least, I worry about you. In fact, you might be my biggest worry. People told me that you can take care of yourself and I shouldn’t have to worry. Besides even if I do worry, there’s nothing I can do to help you. I guess that last part is truer than everything else. But still, I can’t help but.
Long Island is supposed to get hit harder than NYC. And yet, you worked today. I know, if it was up to you you’d wouldn’t want to get stuck in this weather either. But nevertheless, how I wish I were there. If I were there, I can try talking you out of it. Which on second thought, is a task I would probably end up failing at. But the alternative is this: if I were there, then I can at least drop you off and pick you up at work like I used to. How I wish I can do that today. I can’t help but picture you out there in the dark by yourself, fighting the wind and rain to get back from work. I know I’m probably exaggerating the reality in my own head, and yet there’s no other image in my mind. The worst part is I can’t even make sure you’re OK on your own. I wish I can hear your voice and hear you tell me that you were fine. I know you probably are, but hearing it would be the ultimate reassurance. But I guess that’s not going to happen tonight. I kn0w right now you’re not back in your room. All I can hope for is that you’re somewhere warm, dry, and safe with friends that will take care of you and make sure you’re alright. If the storm is too treacherous, please stay indoors. Stay at a friend’s place for the night. But don’t try to venture out there on your own. Maybe somehow this message will reach you. Hopefully, someone near you share my same sentiments and will advise you to do the same. How I wish I was with you now. I miss protecting you and sheltering you from the wind and rain and anything else bad. I miss being needed. I miss you. Be safe. Take care of yourself. I wish for nothing more but your safety and happiness. When this storm is over, another will be breeding inside of me I know for tomorrow is another day that’s going to haunt me. But that’s another day’s problem. For now, I worry about you the most. Please be OK.
