The ice storm froze roads, downed power lines, and brought our area to a standstill. Jerry and I didn't lose power, and didn't realize for three days that our next door neighbors were managing with wood stove, candles, and going out for meals and showers. The town set up a warming space in the community center, complete with power and wi-fi so that people could charge their phones and check their emails.
All of this was completely overshadowed for Jerry and me, because on the 15th I went into the hospital for emergency surgery on a perforated duodenal ulcer. I was in the hospital for ten days (getting sprung on the 25th was the best Christmas present of all), being cared for by nurses and staff, many of whom didn't get electricity back in their homes for several days, but who were all both professional and gentle. (We still wonder how Audrey's chickens are doing.)
Now, a year later, most of the uprooted trees and broken branches and debris have been cleared away. All of the emergency services have decided that they did a pretty good job last year but are now better prepared for any future disasters. And the stitching on my duodenum has held beautifully.
1 comment:
It's a hardship, but it's so beautiful, isn't it? A great time to curl up with a book and cocoa--or hot buttered rum. And especially so when the stitches hold up.
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