2017 Life Logs, Day 314: Inching Forward, Sliding Backwards
Date: Friday, November 10, 2017
Weather: Sunny, Windy, and Cold; High 53, Low 21 degrees F
Location: At Home in The Studio, Falmouth, MA
In yesterday’s log, I reported that yesterday Justin and Jo had running water for the first time in seven weeks. Today I found out that the running water only lasted long enough for Justin to take a shower. But he was eternally grateful for that shower and a chance to flush the toilets. When I talked to Justin this afternoon, he also shared that some of their neighbors have electricity, but not them. So light is getting closer, but when he drove to Mayaguez to try and get some work done, the city that has had limited electricity for weeks had none. Something happened in San Juan that caused a shut down on all electricity. So, some things are inching forward in Puerto Rico, but some days the back sliding is very discouraging. Justin said that yesterday seemed like a low point for people in Rincon. They are tired of the fight with very little hope in sight. And this is from a town that did not have the same level of devastation as some others. I could tell this afternoon that the reality of two months without being able to contribute to his business is starting to settle in with Justin. He is trying to figure out some way to come out of this, but it is not easy. I’m so thankful that it looks like they will be able to meet us in Florida next Sunday for a Handley Family get together. The Thanksgiving week will give them a break and us a chance to brainstorm next steps. In the meantime, I just hope Justin and Jo can keep fighting the fight with the same strength and determination they have shown for the past seven weeks. They have made it this far because they have had tremendous support from family and friends. Thank you to all of you who have contributed. The outpouring of generosity has been overwhelming.
It is freezing here tonight, literally. We’ve had only one night that even approached a frost, but tonight the temp is supposed to dip down to 20 degrees F. And it is windy, making it feel even colder. Sam, Jonah, Ollie and I had a nice morning together, and after lunch I delivered Sam and Jonah to Jed who was taking them to a two-hour outdoor soccer clinic. There were all sorts of tears about having to wear layered clothing. Since it has been so warm, Jonah and Sam were sure they would be fine without those layers. But when Jed brought them back after the clinic to pick up Ollie, both boys were frozen. Tomorrow’s high is supposed to be only 38 degrees, but then things warm up again on Sunday. Thankfully.
