Nature's Power

The storm is over, but not the pain of loss or the struggle to find some solace when you have nothing left.

The images is still photos and in video clips are crippling to the mind that tries to understand the why’s of nature that cannot be understood with reason or fairness or finite intellect.

Meteorology and science can explain the process of storms in terms of isobars, gradients and computer models. It can predict, but it cannot translate process and predictions into empathy, emotion, and the devastating impact of personal loss.

There is too the fascination of nature’s power. It is magnetic to the soul and confuses logic. It calls for personal attention as it attracts those who will stand in awe of her fierceness and believe they are invincible.

The people who did not vacate their homes in flood zones or on barrier islands are not the ones who deserve our sympathy. They made and live with their choices. Life’s lethal lessons are always hard especially when stuff is more important than life.

Our sympathies go to those who hunkered and huddle in the presumed safety of their homes only to have a tree fall on their house both killing and injuring.

Our sympathies go to those whose homes burned because of downed wires. They are left only with ashes and memories.

Our sympathies go to those who thought they lived on high enough ground to be safe from floodwaters and tidal surges. Nature will always surprise and do what seems unlikely or impossible.

Now comes the time for cleanup and introspection and the awareness that weather patterns have changed globally.