Hurricane Milton: Gratitude and Perspective

Grateful that Hurricane Milton spared our town of Cape Canaveral, but heartbroken for those who weren't so fortunate. This graphic from Weather.com shows the storm's exit path.

Hurricane Milton churned through Florida this week, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. While our little town of Cape Canaveral emerged relatively unscathed, the devastation on the west coast serves as a stark reminder of the raw power of nature and the fragility of life.

A Storm of Emotions

It's strange to think back to just a few days ago, when we were sipping Hurricanes at Sandbar, laughing in the face of the approaching storm. We even got a tornado warning while we were there - a warning that turned out to be all too real, where a tornado touched down and damaged six structures roughly a mile away from us. The memory now feels surreal, almost inappropriate, given the hardship so many are facing.

Milton's eye passed right over our house, bringing with it the deafening roar of the wind beating against our hurricane shutters. Our town was incredibly fortunate to escape with minimal damage compared to other cities – some roofs damaged, downed fences, scattered debris, and a few anxious hours. But as we see images of the flooded streets and shattered homes on the west coast, our hearts ache for those whose lives have been upended.

Counting Our Blessings

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and adrenaline of a hurricane, especially when you're on the weaker side of the storm. But the reality is that these events can be devastating, leaving scars both physical and emotional that take years to heal.

I'm choosing not to share any photos in this post. It feels trivial to focus on a few tarped roofs in our neighborhood when so many have lost so much more. Instead, I want to use this space to express our deepest sympathy for those who are suffering and to offer our support in any way we can.

The Power of Community

The resilience of the human spirit is often revealed in the face of adversity. We've already seen countless stories of courage, compassion, and community in the wake of Milton and Helene. Let's continue to lift each other up and extend a helping hand to those in need.

If you're looking for ways to help, please consider donating to organizations like the Red Cross. Ty and I have already donated, and even a small contribution can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Take care of yourselves and take care of each other.

With much love.

Michelle & Ty ❤️