What Hurricane Irma Did for Me - PS74 - Positivity Strategist - Robyn Stratton-Berkessel

From the moment we lined up to register at the local high school shelter, there was a visual smorgasbord of diversity. Young and old, black, white and in-between, two legs, one leg, and four legs – dogs, cats, chickens, parrots, hamsters. Once you registered, you were required to stay the duration – there was no reserving a place just in case. Lights were out at 10 and when lockdown happened there was no leaving the block you lived in.

Every creature was welcomed – no ID was required – just your name, address, who to contact in an emergency. You could come from a totally different town with your dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and ferrets.

I loved that demonstration of equity. Our shared humanity was honored and respected. We were patient and courteous. We're not in a race to anywhere. We gratefully accepted the rooms we were allocated with the roomies who showed up.

Hurricane Irma Shelter – Pictures Tell a 1000 Words

Our space in the shelter, Braden River High.

Juergen and His Mom bedding down

One pet area in Shelter

Kids playing in Shelter

Evening Stroll before the storm

The evening after Hurricane Irma

Tears of Relief

I had tears of gratitude, relief and love for me and my little family. We were so fortunate, and I am so privileged to tell my story through my lens of appreciation and gratitude, and feeling safe. and I had tears also for those who are still living in uncertainty and trying to make sense for their future as they continue to clean up from natural disasters whether they be hurrianes and floods, fires, earthquakes or tsunamis.

From my Friend, Paloma in Puerto Rico post Hurricane Maria

Paloma's email received today after I had reached out to her yesterday.

Hi Robyn. Times are tough. I'm not going to lie. Still no running water or electricity. I can deal without electricity but water worries me. Gasoline is limited so we can't be driving around. Just basically living day by day, making lines, doing our best to keep our hopes up. At least now & then we have signal so that's better b/c we've been able to contact our loved ones. Please keep us in your thoughts & prayers. Paloma, sent from iPhone.

Paloma and all of you in Puerto Rico, you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers daily.

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