For the Love of Loblolly and Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene blew through the Big Bend area of Florida on Thursday, we knew the storm would be devastating.
But I don’t think any of us could have imagined that so much of the southeast would be left in ruins.
It’s truly heartbreaking to see.
As with Hurricane Idalia, so many members of my big farm family were affected by this storm.
One of us lost this year’s crop, one had major water damage and five of us had significant tree damage, including Loblolly, where Hurricane Helene left a skylight in my parent’s bedroom.
Understandably, there is no power, water, or internet and the cell service is spotty at best right now.
All of us (including the animals) have been accounted for though and that alone is a blessing.
In the last few days, we’ve lovingly wiped each other’s tears, laughed over gross sweaty hugs, enjoyed peanut butter sandwiches on tailgates, passed out tarps and supplies, and hauled debris to the road.
We’ve gone through Hurricanes Idalia, Debby and Helene in just 13 short months and as you can imagine, hurricane fatigue is at an all-time high.
Despite the fatigue there have been some true miracles to come out of this storm.
One of my cousins decided to go to her vacation home in Mexico Beach at the last minute, her house was the most heavily damaged and I can’t even think about what would have happened had she and her family been home.
My aunt, uncle and another cousin also decided at the last minute to ride the storm out with my parents at Bliss Barracks. They had been living at Loblolly for the last 6 weeks due to flooding damage from Hurricane Debby. They would have likely been harmed as well.
My sister and brother-in-law were in North Carolina when the storm hit. We did not hear from them for two days because their services were out too. They are also alive and well.
And my Mom who hurt her foot on the first day we started cleaning up from the storm was able to get an x-ray thanks to the backup generators at the small hospital in our hometown.
These are our stories and I know there are thousands more unfolding.
As I look back at what our family has been through these past few days, I’m filled with a mix of sadness and gratitude.
Truly, no matter what the situation, one of the best ways you can love someone well is to show up for them.
And it’s been amazing to see all the people from other family members to disaster relief groups to food trucks to shower stations to the arborists following the linemen to the police from counties 3 hours away showing up to help out the community.
Honestly, it makes me teary just thinking about it.
I’m back home on the island for now where our services have been restored.
We’re on the Atlantic side and while we have lots to cleanup, it’s minor compared to what my hometown and so many other towns throughout the southeast are facing.
I plan to take the rest of the week off because there is still so much to process and do but I’m hoping to start posting again next week while we wait for power and other services to be rebuilt.
Thank you for continuing to pray for us and for all your sweet words of support and encouragement.
We are weary but I know that even the most difficult endings can bring about beautiful beginnings which brings me hope.
With love,
CoCo
Praying for all !
Thank you so much, Marianne, we appreciate it so much. Big hugs, CoCo
I’m so sorry about the damage and another storm.
Prayers answered that all you are okay.
I’m sorry for all the suffering and loss. Sending virtual hugs and continued prayers.
The damage has made me gasp when I see it.
Thank you so much, Cindy. It really is wild to see how one storm can cause so much damage throughout the southeast. Normally it’s just one state or two but it feels like there is devastation everywhere this time. Thank you for your kind words and for all your prayers. We need them! Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo, I’m so glad you and your family are safe. We have so many friends here in GA as well as in NC and SC who have been impacted by this storm. It is just mind-boggling. Praying for all of them and for you and your family, too–for God’s help, strength, and tender care in the aftermath.
Thank you so much, LeAnne. Right after I replied to your comment last week we got a call we needed to troubleshoot some things remotely for a family member in GA and goodness did things fall like dominoes after that. I promise didn’t forget about you! Thank you for your kind words and sweet support. I’m adding my prayers to yours for your loved ones too. I know it hasn’t been easy for you guys either. Big hugs, CoCo
Oh CoCo! I’m SO, So sorry, friend!! My continued thoughts and loving prayers are with you all.
Thank you so much, Rachel, we greatly appreciate it. Big hugs and keep they prayers coming, they’re working, CoCo
OMG! I hope you are doing well. I am so sorry about all the damage to your beautiful home. I will pray for you and your family.
I really appreciate it so much, Michelle, thank you. Big hugs, CoCo
I’m so glad that you and your family are safe. Praying for you, sweet friend.
I really appreciate it, Renae, thank you so much. Big hugs, CoCo
I’m so glad to hear that you are all safe. I will continue praying for you and your family during this very difficult time!!! Many hugs and prayers!!!
Thank you so much, Susan, we definitely need them and will be praying alongside you for all the other families who were affected as well. Big hugs and thank yous, CoCo
Oh my gosh, CoCo!
Thank you for sharing that your family is okay so quickly; I’m sure lots of your readers were worrying about you.
Best of luck as you all recover from this and all the other recent hurricanes. Ditto to any of your other readers who were affected.
Thank you bunches, Corrie. I know you’ve been a long time reader and have seen us through lots of hurricanes over the years. Thank you so much for your kind words and sweet support. They are appreciated! Big hugs, CoCo
This is the third time I’ve started a message to you. Everything I write sounds menial and trite. I’m sorry for what you are dealing with but very fortunate that everyone survived. Prayers for everyone affected.
Just the fact you’d take time out of your day to leave a kind word and to offer prayers and support means the world to us, Joy. It helps keep us going on the hard days and we appreciate it more than you know. Big hugs and thank yous, CoCo
Prayers for you and your family and all those affected. Vee
Thank you, Vee! I know we’ve been through a lot of hurricanes together over the years and I really appreciate all your support and prayers. It’s such a beautiful gift. Big hugs, CoCo
Dear CoCo,
My heart is breaking for you and your family and I’m so sorry that many of them are dealing with issues from yet another hurricane. Thank the Lord that everyone and the animals are ok! I’m glad you all had help from disaster relief groups and I will continue to pray for you all! Sure hope everyone gets power restored soon and your mom’s foot heals quickly! Big hugs, Donna
I really appreciate it, Donna, thank you! As you know, hurricane season is Florida is no joke but we’re blessed to have a big family who rallies around each other no matter what the season. The cows and horses all made it which is another big answer to prayer as well and my Mom will have surgery on Tuesday. Lots going on but your prayers are working so keep them coming. They mean so much! Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo my prayers are with you and your family. Praying for God’s hand and comfort with all of you for strength and direction. God sends amazing people within our path to help. Big Hugs!
Thank you so much for your prayers, Debra. I know they are working not only for us but for all the people who are praying in agreement with you right now. Big hugs, CoCo
Praying for you, your family and all the people who have endured so much. God Bless.
I’m praying right alongside you, Margie, thank you so much for lifting us up. Big hugs, CoCo
I am sorry for your troubles~I hope everything gets better soon~
Thank you so much, Tami, I really appreciate it. Big hugs, CoCo
Hi CoCo- How heartbreaking. I can’t believe the damage your family has sustained from hurricanes. You definitely deserve to take the week off. Wishing you and your family continued protection, strength, endurance and above all love. Stay safe my friend. If it helps, please remember you are not alone.
I am so sorry for you, your family & animals for all that you are having to endure after Hurricane Helene.
I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers. Praying that your Mom’s surgery goes well on Tuesday
and that she will have a speedy recovery. Wishing you, your family & your community all the best as you clean up and recover.
Hi Coco,
So happy to hear you are okay, I did think abut you and your family during the storm and was praying for you all. Sorry to hear about loblolly, but thankful for the miracles that you all experienced. I know the devastation of this storm is just gut wrenching and heart breaking. It’s all I have thought about all week, and have been watching reel after reel, and praying for all those affected. So glad you were able to hear from your sister and hubby, know that was difficult as I had a friend who could not hear from her Mom or any of her relatives who lived in the Burnsville NC area, but finally did after 3 days or so, and tho they have damage they are all alive,
and she was so relieved to say the least. Praying blessings upon blessings for those who have had to endure this awful storm.
Hope you can get some rest…….
Blessings Dear, Nellie
Grateful to hear from you with an update on damage, people and animals. Continued prayers for everyone. I’m so sorry but so glad you are all accounted for.
I am so glad to hear that both you and your family are safe. I am so saddened by all of the loss. I was just in the Asheville area a few short weeks ago to visit my son and it is heart breaking to see what happened to so many of the places we were. Hang in there! 🙏
The hurricane must have been so scary! Praying for you now CoCo 🥰