If an increasingly foreboding dark blue sky could have spoken this past Wednesday, it may have said... 'Run for Cover!' As I sat in my office, I watched with increasing concern as the wind picked up and lightning sparked a pre 4th of July show. The forecast was for severe thunderstorms. I wondered...
As my appointment continued, the rain started to fall with such ferocity, it was difficult to see outside. The lights flickered, came on again and flickered twice more before going off for good. We moved into the interior of the building to wait out the storm. I stopped the meeting to pray. Situations like this are unpredictable. I've been in them before.
When it was safe to venture out, we left. My last appointment canceled. She called indicating that she couldn't see through the storm. As I traveled back home, the extent of the damage became increasingly clear. Trees covered partial or entire portions of the roadway. A nearby street in my neighborhood was hit hard. Some lawns were literally blanketed by tree limbs. Utility poles snapped like match sticks cutting off power to tens of thousands of homes including my own.
So, with lights out at my home office and corporate office what do you do? Well, make the best of it and thank God that no one was seriously injured in the storm. We were also grateful that the sweltering hot weather that usually accompanies July in Michigan was remarkably temperate this year.
The recording on the Consumers Energy hotline indicated that the wait would be substantial. Estimates predicated that restoration would be Saturday around midnight. I'm thankful to say that our lights were turned on today just after noon and that the rain which could have created catastrophic flooding ceased after about 6 hours.
So on the 4th of July, we headed out for a drive through the West Michigan countryside. We drove to Holland State Park and Grand Haven; stopping to stroll on the pier and pick up an ice cream cone. We also stopped at one of our favorite Farmer's Markets to pick up the best Strawberry Rhubarb Jam I've ever tasted.
As we passed crews working through the holiday to restore power to so many, we were simply grateful that we live in a nation which sacrifices for the welfare of others.
These men and women gave up their vacation to serve and do a massive clean up. Earlier this afternoon, a representative from Consumers Energy called to ask if we'd got our power back. Wow!
We live in a great nation. This 4th of July weekend affords us another opportunity to be thankful and reflect on the blessings we have received and once again reaffirm our commitment to love and uphold the values of freedom that we all hold dear.
Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511. Thanks for visiting our blog. Here are links to some of our most popular posts for you to enjoy!
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You will always remember this year. I can't believe the electric company called to see if you were ok. That would never happen where I live
Lola, We had bad storms here as well but it looks like it was worse in your area. I'm glad no one was seriously injured. Not sure about your area but we really needed the precipitation.
Same thing happened here when our electricity went our. They were at my door twice a day to make sure everyone was O.K. I was impressed.
Mankind's kindess to man. Love it.
Judy, we are very grateful for God's protection. The call from the utility company was amazing...simply amazing! And appreciated.
Hi Kimberly. Thanks for stopping by. We've had a good amount of rain this year, not excessive for the most part with the exception of the last downpour. There are a few areas which still have poos of standing water, but most areas are pretty dry now.
Lenn, That's remarkable. We so often hear about the negative that we fail to remember that there is far more good in this country than bad. People do care about others and most are doing their best to make this a great place to live. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you're enjoying your weekend. :)
I leave town far a few days and looks what happens. Storms cut power, close the golff course with 5 inches of rain I hope it is all back in order when I get back on Monday.
Terry...I hope everythings OK with you guys. I understand the Cascade area was not as heavily hit. There were a lot of basements flooded in our area. Hope you are having a great 4th of July!
Lola, wow, those were some storms, hope were done with those for a year or 2 or 3 or 4......
Hi Duane, Did you guys have it pass through Saugatuck too?
Lola we truly are blessed to live in this great nation. May you recover from the recent storm quickly!!!
Thank you George. Remarkably, the major damage was not to homes or human beings in our area. Trees sometimes fell across roadways or over power lines, but we remain thankful that God preserved human life.
Lola, yes we got nailed. Many trees down, but no roads washed out this time.
Lola,
Just feel free to send some of that rainy weather down to Hilton Head. We sure could use the rain---it's been very dry so far this summer but with the hot summer days, we should start to get some nice thunderstorms.
Hi Lola, I was out and about working in that storm! WHEW! I was scared. I hope everyone has power by now!