By Caron Schwartz
Garrison Keillor used to begin his monologue with “It’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, my hometown.” With two hurricanes in the space of two weeks, it has been anything but quiet in Gulfport, my hometown.
While we wait for utilities to be restored at home, I write this from a friend’s place across town with electric, WiFi, and delicious hot coffee.
This is hanging around in its truest form. Community: friends helping friends, neighbors reaching out to neighbors, families taking care of each other and watching out for other families.
Although I’m shaken by the events of the last couple of weeks, I have much to be thankful for. My 92-year-old house withstood hurricane-force winds twice in two weeks, and the mighty storm surge couldn’t breach the tiny bluff it stands on. My mom, also 92, is living her best second childhood in a memory care facility that truly cares about its residents. My partner, Lenny, has brought joy to my heart and the tools and know-how to keep our home operating smoothly. My sisters and brothers-in-law are happy and healthy.
I write this to the tune of chainsaws whittling trees that didn’t survive the storms. “Gulfport Strong” is a cliche, but it still feels powerful. This community, which I felt drawn to join eight years ago, is standing together through a hardship we imagined but hoped would never happen. And the Paradise News family – creative, adventurous, supportive, kind – I’m thankful to be a member of this tenacious team.