I’ve been thinking a lot about Hurricane Ike recovery these days. On the two year anniversary since the storm, I wonder how people are doing, really.
There are some responses like, “We’re glad to be back, but we’re still innundated with stuff to do.” And others say they’re still reeling from some of the bureaucracy. Still, others talk about how difficult times are, how they’ve accrued what seems like endless debt, and how business has not been the same since the storm (unless they own a series of large hotels or restaurant chains along the Seawall).
I wonder how the average person is doing, two years later. Are you still having flashbacks of stuff on your lawn? 
How has Ike enriched (yes, enriched) your life? For example, I now know that I can live with a lot less stuff than I had before Ike. I call that an enriching experience.
How are you still dealing with the after-effects? Are you working as much? Are you still unpacking? Do you still have nightmares? Are you closer with your neighbors if you’ve moved back to the island? Are you living on the mainland now, or farther? How has your professional life changed? How have your children changed?
And if you weren’t personally affected, how was your life touched by Ike? Do you even remember it, or does Hurricane Katrina still stand out for you as the worst one?
If you had one piece of advice for people who need to evacuate before a storm, what would it be?
Share your story. I, for one, want to know.
Nice evoking questions Janet. I would be interested in hearing your answers, in fact your sharing may just be a catalyst for others to share. I have watched you over the past two years go in and out of many life is calling me out moments. I also see you on the other side of a great fear, sorrow and angst. You certainly have traveled the journey my friend and I for one am proud to call you my friend. Coming back home means more than moving back into your house doesn’t it?
Thanks for the comment, Mari. Yes, Ike was and continues to be incredibly evoking. All I have to do is drive down a street or listen to what people are talking about in Galveston County.
I’m working on the memoir; my responses to those questions, and more, will be in the book. Between now and then, there will be several posts with my responses.