Dear Hurricane Mathew,
You arose in a matter of moments, but you came to change lives forever. You are forcing people to evacuate their homes, leave their environments, and prepare for the worst. With wind gusts over 100mph and severe storm warnings in many states, people are ready for you to go away already. You are expected to leave the area next week and head toward the Bahamas. But before you go….
I have something to thank you for. The heavy rainfall you are bringing up the lower east coast is causing major flooding in Georgia and South Carolina. Because of your severe weather, my brother is able to come home.
Five years ago my brother moved to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. He comes home about twice a year and my parents go to visit him once a year. We used to visit as a family for thanksgiving, but unfortunately, I have been unable to attend for the past two years. Therefore, I have spent on average less than a week with my brother over the time span of the past year.
We changed the plans this year and my family has been looking forward to November for months. My brother decided this year he is making the trip up north for thanksgiving. I have been counting down the days to the holiday season this year since May.
However, thanks to your presence, my brother is coming home early! His county of South Carolina was forced to evacuate. He took some time deciding whether he wanted to make the ten-hour trip home or just stay somewhere closer to South Carolina. But because of your increase in hurricane category and the severity you are causing, my brother is finally home.
He arrived home last Wednesday and I immediately wanted to go visit. But, with classes and obligations on campus, I was unable to go home as early as I desired. Now that classes are over and it’s finally the weekend, I get to go home!
I am so sorry to hear of all the havoc you are causing for the families and communities down south. Frankly, you are flipping their lives upside down and things will never be the same for them. To those who are suffering and unsafe, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. And I hope the weather calms down soon so you are able to begin rebuilding your lifestyles quickly.
Hurricane Matthew, I am very grateful for you, though. Thank you for being present in the south right now. Thank you for bringing my brother home. Thank you for allowing my family to be together again. Thank you for keeping my family safe. Thank you for allowing us to reunite sooner than expected. Thank you for granting us the opportunity to create new memories.
Sincerely,
One happy younger sister who has her family back together again
October 7, 2016
