Is Summer Over Yet?

We are still blazing hot here in Bermuda. It’s an odd thing, because when I say blazing, people assume temps up in the 100’s, which is never the case here. Our hottest will be around 95. But then, factor in humidity, and you’ve got smothering air that soaks you within minutes. Let’s just say I really, really love my air-conditioning, and yes, our electric bills are really, really high.

But I’ve stepped into September and started back to work, writing new stuff and keeping up with all the fun of finding new readers as more people discover The Things We Knew. I’m so grateful for those connections and it’s fun to get to know people from all over the world. Tonight I’m having an Author Chat on Facebook – if you’re able to pop in, I’d love to say hi! We’ll be chatting about the book and other things, so even if you haven’t read The Things We Knew yet, don’t let that stop you. 🙂 You can sign up on the Event Page or just stop in – 7-9 EST. Hope to see you there!

To bid summer it’s proper adieu, Mother Nature has decided to whip up a few storms in the Atlantic. At the moment, we’re keeping an eye on Karl, predicted to be heading our way as a hurricane this weekend. He seems to be the finicky sort though, as he’s already changed tack a few times. People ask me what it’s like, living on a tiny island when you’re facing down a big storm.

Well. Like everything else in life, it’s about being prepared. You put away outside furniture and pots. Secure everything else as best you can, stock up on food and water and batteries in case of a power outage, and then you wait. 

In Bermuda, this usually involves a few Dark ‘n’ Stormies, our national drink. It’s an island thing, we’ll take any excuse really. 🙂 Kidding aside, waiting for these storms can be nerve-wracking. Because you never really know. It could be a total miss, with no damage or it could come at us full force. Even with all the technology available to us nowadays, these things take on a life of their own.

When you’re waiting, when you’re unsure, it’s easy to give in to fear. Easy to think the worst, expect it even. I remember our last massive hurricane years ago, Fabian, (a direct hit on September 5th, 2003), huddling in the dark hallway with my 2 kids and listening to the howling wind and wondering what would happen. Would we be okay? That was not a fun night. We were okay, but that one hit us bad. Fortunately our house was not badly damaged, but so much of the island was.

So much of life seems to be about survival, doesn’t it? Waiting for the storm to pass. Figuring out how to get through it. And sometimes, not knowing if you’re strong enough to make it. And if you do make it through? Sometimes the clean-up seems too much to bear. Too overwhelming.

Been there?

Me too.

If you’re in that waiting room right now, not sure what’s coming next, know you’re not alone. Even in the midst of the storm, no matter how bad it gets, know you’re not alone. People are there. They want to help. They just don’t know what to say or do and they’re afraid of getting it wrong.

I know. Reaching out is hard. Talking. Sharing. Going into those dark and secret places. Maybe it’s the last thing you think you need right now. But it could be the best thing.

Because we all need a friend or two to help us get through the storms and pick up the mess in the aftermath.

Ask me how I know.

Praying you know His peace today, wherever you are, whether you’re waiting, watching those dark clouds roll in or picking up the debris in the erie calm that often comes after a vicious night. I’m praying you find your friends and let them in and hold them tight. And that you know, somehow, it’s all going to be okay.

Until Next Time . . .