The Storm

One year ago, we, in South East Texas and along the coastline, were cleaning up from Hurricane Ike. Last Sunday was the "anniversary" of when it hit. Maggie decided to wear her "I Survived Hurricane Ike" t-shirt to sleep in that night to commemorate the occasion. We all know how she vividly remembers the events of that night - lying awake with all of us (except for Ikie and Papa - who slept through the entire thing) listening to the sounds of strong wind, trees crashing, and rain. Here is a picture from that event - when the storm itself had subsided, but the clean-up storm had just begun...

Amidst the "clean-up storm" of putting pots and pans under drips - no - pouring - from the ceiling of my grandparents' home; putting tarps and blankets over my grandmother's baby grand piano; keeping the kids in one small area of the home - so that the ceiling would not fall on them; moving furniture to try to save it; working with no air condition; no lights; no feedback from the outside world; winds and rain still howling outside; and a house crumbling at our feet - My grandparents maintained such strength that I admire to this day. My grandmother's determination as she took buckets and buckets of water out into the left-over storm to dump and place it under another spot to catch more water. My grandfather's strength as he sat, listening to the sound of water hitting the pots and pans inside his house, with his little yellow steno pad - writing his "to-do" list, notes on where to start with repairs. Their calmness was amazing! Their determination was admirable! Their faith and strength was awesome!

I was recently cleaning out old emails, and I found this one from my grandmother. It was one month before the boys were born, and we were still unsure of the outcome/survival of Whit, especially - and possibly Chap. Here is what her email read...

"J"--"Jana "J J, Kirkland", Post!!!!!

Just want you to know, as I was sitting here listening to the rain on the tin roof, my thoughts came around to you and Corbett. You can be assured friends will be praying for you in the morning--as they have been all along, since they heard about the little baby. I know this is a very difficult time for you, but you know for sure and for certain, God is in this directing every move of the Dr.'s. He is at your side every minute of the day and night, giving you both the faith that you have in Him.

Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble". As you very well know, "He is our eternal refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance."

Papa and I will be praying for you at the specific time of 9:30 in the morning....however, you are in my prayers, continuously!

Love, Blessings and PRAYERS

Ikie"

Ikie and Papa were (ARE) true examples of that verse. They allowed God to be their refuge and strength in the circumstances they faced. God was (IS) a very present help in trouble! He saw us through the storm and delivery of the boys, and he saw Papa and Ikie through a literal storm in their home! Thank you, Papa and Ikie, for your example of faith and endurance in troubling circumstances! And, just in case another storm is in the works... Maggie is ready! This picture was taken the other day - no rain in sight, but thunder heard at a distance!