Hi again subscribers,
By now, I imagine you’ve seen footage of the devastation Hurricane Ian has caused in Florida, the state I live in. This note is just to let you know my husband and I are among the lucky ones who fared okay during this terrifying storm. We have power on, a bit of tree damage, but no property damage or flooding in our home. But it’s heartbreaking to witness the damage around the corner from us where flooding from nearby lakes has ruined others’ properties.
Our entire state, especially along the coasts, is suffering terribly. If you can, please donate to the Red Cross or another helpful organization that can assist the needy, many who are now homeless. Not only do many Floridians cry out for support, there will be many more along the Eastern coast in dire straits by the time Ian finishes its destructive work.
Thanks for caring. Thanks for checking in with me.
Next blog: the one I promised about Salman Rushdie and my meeting him in 2007. He’s one of my writing heroes.
Stay calm and carry on. I’m trying.
Your writer on the wing,
Charlene
Naomi Durkin
Glad to hear you and Hoyt made it through safely and that you didn’t suffer property damage and loss. Your empathy for those in your state who have suffered those losses was palpable as I read your words, and so I appreciated reading this update, and look forward to any more you may send. Stay safe and dry!
Sincerely, Naomi Durkin
Charlene Edge
Thanks for reading, Naomi. And if you can, please contribute to a charitable org that is helping the needy.
I may or may not do another hurricane update blog. News of this catastrophe is saturating all of us right now, me included. It’s just so overwhelming at times … and grief over so many losses of so many kinds is deep.
For now, I’ll step away and think. Not sure when I’ll do the Rushdie blog, but I will. His story is a glaring example of what happens when free speech is feared and hate rears its head. We must stomp that out whenever and however we can.
Nuff said.
Kathleen Brandt
So glad to hear you and Hoyt were okay through this terrible storm. Thinking of you both and all Floridians today!
Charlene Edge
Hi Kathleen, thanks for reading and for your kind words. We shall carry on.
Karl Wisner Jr.
Hello,
I feel as though I have been following behind a hurricane for 45 yrs. My dad joined the way international in 1975. I was 14. There has been a trail of devastation that I have had to stumble through what seems like all my life. My dad still defends Wierwille totally and will not hear of any slanderous conversation about V.P W. It is very sad . I do not think he is saved .
Charlene L. Edge
Thank you for adding to this conversation, Karl. I’m so sorry for the pain you’ve suffered, and hope you are able to find peace post-hurricane Way.