I had a few moments of frustration and tears yesterday when I logged on to the power company's website and learned it might be next week before we get our power back. I'm mostly concerned about Christmas. My sons are coming home from RI and Los Angeles, and I won't be able to provide the traditional meals -- Swedish meatballs and egg noodles on Christmas Eve, and a rib roast on Christmas day. No "Best Buttermilk Pound Cake" for Christmas breakfast, and worst of all, no ginger crinkles, "Mrs. Greenhill's Shortbread", or "Crissie's Sugar Cookies". I'm very frustrated that I can't do any baking. So for a few minutes, I indulged myself in a good pity party.
But, I am over that. I am so very deep down grateful for what I do have -- heat, hot water, and some light. I have an extended vacation - our schools are shut down til Jan 5th. I can get out to stores. I can go to a laundramat. I am able to offer hot showers to some folks who don't have hot water.
For us, this IS a major inconvenience, and a major disruption of our holiday plans. But that's all it is. When I think of all the folks in the world who live in conditions worse than this I realize how selfish my frustation is. When I think of all the people whose lives were torn apart by disasters like Katrina, I feel ashamed.
We're safe, we're healthy, we have inventive minds. We will create memories of Christmas 2008.
Here are some pictures. There is a terrible beauty in the ice too. Click on the photo to enlarge.
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3 comments:
It's ok to be honest about being worried and disappointed. I'm helped by the reminder that Christmas doesn't depend on me. You'll make memories regardless-- and you'll be with family. (Priceless.)
I heard it was much worse in your state than in ours, sorry it's so stressful!
Jennifer,
We will be celebrating the gift of being together and that's what I'm concentrating on!
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