The Power of a Storm

Written on July 12, 2024

Today (July 12) is Day 5 without power for my northwest Houston subdivision since Hurricane Beryl bulldozed the Houston area. Well, we got power back for five hours late last night before transformers blew out early this morning --- but let's round up. It's been long, frustrating, hot, annoying, aggravating and uncomfortable. More so for many, less so for some.

Yet, in the urgent hustle to get back to normal, I've observed something remarkable.

As the days without power have drug on, my subdivision Facebook page has come alive with regular updates, recommendations and status across many of our streets and homes. Those closest to the utility repair work have shared progress and pictures. Those farther from the work check in with updates to help us all get a clear picture across the community. Those out of town have checked in with those still here. A few jokes have even found their way into the conversation. Several neighbors have organized water, snacks and encouragement for the linemen that are riding to our rescue.

And speaking of the linemen, we've seen utility trucks with license plates from North Carolina, Michigan, South Dakota and Indiana. I'm surely missing other locales including our own Houston linemen. Every one of these heroes have left their family and home behind to help get us up off the mat. Some closer, many from afar --- all of us practically strangers to one another.

I hardly know anything about the personal, family, or financial background of these neighbors or linemen. And none of that has kept us from pitching in to help each other tackle this difficult challenge. It is amazing to see all those other "concerns" fall by the wayside as we focus on the more immediate challenge at hand. Together.

I know that the power will return, and everyone will settle back into our comfortable routines. If we could do this all over again, of course we'd prefer that it didn't happen. But sometimes the uncomfortable gives us the opportunity to focus on what's important. Sometimes being forced out of our routine provides a much-needed change of perspective.

In a strange way, I feel more connected with my subdivision now than I have in recent memory. It's been refreshing to pull together and make the most of a bad situation. It reminds me how much potential we have to organize and tackle a common goal of any size.

I hope we remember this as we move into the second half of 2024 and beyond. Not just in my subdivision, but across the state and country. We are capable of so much when we all pull in the same direction. Sometimes it takes a storm to remind us of that truth.