I have seen two mayor hurricanes hit in the past, Hugo (I was 11) and George (I was 20), I need to count Irma that was 3 weeks ago (Sept 6) and it hit us bad too, but hurricane Maria (do the math about my age!) has been worse hurricane that I/we would ever imagine. Every corner of this beautiful Island has been impacted…EVERY land of this 100 x 35 island.
As we thought we were prepared no one prepares you for what we experienced that LONG night/day. We were awake since 2am listening to that horrible wind, no power nor water, only a little radio where meteorologist and reporters were guessing what was going on during that time…no one knew if it was over yet, where Maria was and how devastated everything was.
At that point almost everyone lost communication, thankfully I was lucky and my cellphone company stayed up almost the entire time so I could let my family and friends know how things were going…and how horrible it was! They accompanied me all the time with positive and good wishes.
Water came through the windows and sliding door, we moped almost all the time trying to keep our house dry.
That afternoon, after it passed, we tried to go to my mom’s or sister’s but everything was blocked, devastation was everywhere, no more trees, green mountains, electric cables down and no communication…we turned around and stayed home, it was getting dark.
The next day we woke up early and went out determined to see our parents (the road that takes 15 minutes took us almost 2 hours) devastation continues everywhere. We made it and everyone was safe but still in shock of what we went through that night/day and we cleaned all we could.
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| Me & my husband |
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| My daughters and friends |
We knew this was VERY bad, La Isla del Encanto suffered big time and from now on we’ll be on recovery and survival mode.
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| We failed on this one (confess we did not have any gas stove) |
After a few days and running out of food options, water, batteries, gas, the uncertain and me not been able to work (I work remote and depend on internet and my computer) we knew we had to leave as soon as possible…safety was an issue, people are getting frustrated and anger is starting to take over, lines for EVERYTHING are insane. My husband is military from the Air Force and he was really worried about us, him working long hours and us alone, so he was the first to encouraged us to leave until this stabilized.
We were eating a full or good meal once a day and the rest were snacks. At this point and knowing that this could take longer than expected, health was also an issue taking in consideration that we have some food restrictions and allergies in the family.
Neighbors and friends have come together and everyone is sharing what they have (water, food, time, gas, etc.). This are our true colors!
*Please note that I can’t stop thinking about people that has not been able to communicate and they don’t have even snacks to eat and lost everything, this breaks my heart.
In no time friends, family, coworkers offered us their houses (us, because my daughters were coming with me) I felt SO MUCH LOVE that when I think about this I cry…friends that are family and coworkers that are friends and family that are GOLD!
Every destination was SOLD OUT (MIA, FLL, SC, BOS, PUJ) so it looks like we need to stay for 13 more days!!! I have my brother in law and my cousins looking for options…nothing!
At that point and knowing it will be a long time away, we decided to stay with family, so my cousins worked their magic, it was a team work, one started and the other finished (I don’t know how they did it) but as I write this I’m in a safe place surrounded by lots of love and care.
*My husband stayed since he’s working with the relief efforts and at the base.
It was not easy to leave, but I know a few things: right now, I can’t help the way I should, I need to take care of my family and I need to work (my company and boss have been VERY understanding).
When we took off I saw my beautiful Island's devastation, it was like autumn in PR, all the green is now brown…SO SAD!
The Rainforest
We arrived pass midnight and I connected to social media right away to see the images and all that I was not able to see because of signal or lack of battery, heartbreaking views, I could not sleep well.
This morning as I’m here, I could not hold my tears, my heart is still in Puerto Rico, but I’m at my refuge/safety place with my daughters. I would NEVER forget all the kindness and this effort for me and my daughters to get out of the craziness. I’m blessed and I thank God because we were able to do this (I know not a lot of people can) My family is EXTRAORDINARY! THANK YOU!
The island is on recovery mode, I’ll send as much help as I can and I’ll bring as much as I can when I get back.
This has been an experience for all, that at the end what really matter is our inner strength, our family & true friends…no hurricane can take that away from us.
Hasta la próxima!
