I want to thank all of my readers who were praying for me and all of South Louisiana this weekend as Hurricane Ida invaded our state. We are fine.
A hurricane is an unusual beast of a storm. While it gained strength out in the Gulf, it swirled into a tighter circular cloud with a well-defined eye. That swirl gathered everything into it. As the hurricane entered the state at the tip of the boot (Grand Isle), here in New Iberia (in the arch of the boot) we felt eerily calm weather, light rain and periodic gusts of wind, but not enough to even knock out power. In fact, the weather was really pleasant.
All day on Sunday, we watched and waited. My oldest daughter and her family stayed at our house because we have a good generator. I have to admit, this mamére had a wonderful time with the grandchildren.
My two younger daughters live in New Orleans, and they have evacuated to Florida. Now that Ida has knocked down a major power transmitter, they will be driving to us and staying here for weeks. When I talked to my husband about this, he said, “This is why we’re here.”
We are here to be a safe haven for our children, a calm in the storm. Please continue your prayers for our state. In our gratitude, we can open the doors and welcome whatever comes next.
Reflections on the Teche 
I’m glad you are all safe and that the family can come together. The title of your post (and your husband’s observation) says it all.
Kevin
Beautiful, beautiful post this morning. Thank you💕
Sent from my iPhone
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I love your grand oak photo. Is that in your yard? I am also glad you and your family are safe and that Ida skirted your part, but sad for those without power. I saw the news report with the Mayor of NOLA who with so many others were describing the plans to re-boot life there. I have not been near my own cable tv so have to hunt around for news. I gather it was tough and much damage but I have not heard about loss of life. May all the stranded be so warmly welcomed. Hugs to you all. One “mamere” to another!
I was thinking of you, too, and hoping you were not in the path of Ida. I LOVE your line, “We are here to be a safe haven for our children, a calm in the storm,” and am glad you can be there for your children. Glad you are all safe! (We went through Ike…hurricanes are NO fun!)
Such wonderful news for you and your entire family! ❤
What a wonderful post to read! I was so happy to hear that you all are safe, and your husband really summed it all up, didn’t he!? And on another positive note, with your house full in the coming weeks, I imagine you’ll have all sorts of ideas for slices.
I coupled my words with your photo, Margaret, as a thank you for God’s saving grace during the hurricane.
grandmother oak bends
protecting and guarding life
bayou whispers
after the storm rages peace
lays in the stillness of family
-CV, 2021 draft
May your family be sheltered by God’s loving arms, Margaret.
Carol, I love your poem! Beautiful!
Oh Carol, what a beautiful poem about our grandmother oak. We are all safe and enjoying time together. My friend said it’s like Christmas! Thomas’s birthday is Tuesday so he will get all the love. Thanks again!
Margaret, I am happy to hear your husband, you, and your family are safe. Yay to having all your kids and grandchildren together! Beautiful words, post, and photo. Thank you for sharing. I will continue to send prayers.
So thankful, Margaret, for your safety and for that photo of Grandmother Oak which stirs my heart to its very roots!
Wow, I love this post, and what your husband said, “This is why we’re here.” Precious. I love the photo of Grandmother Oak. Peace. Thanks for reporting what’s been happening.