My daughters we're sleeping safe and sound as I checked on them again. I sat glued to my television as the Hurricane swept across the Gulf and began to make land fall in the early morning hours. I stood guard over the house as I fought to stay awake, eyes growing heavy, my stomach tied in knots. Suddenly the wind began to pound against my windows, eerily moaning as it began to toss shingles off of roof tops and causing palm trees to bend further and further to alas they could fight the pounding winds no more. I watched through my bedroom window stunned, suddenly aware for the first time of the fury of the storm, a storm that none of us expected, including the forecasters and other experts.

Daylight came and through my window I caught my first glimpse of the destruction. I could see an apartment across the lot that had it's railing blown off along with the outside storage door from its hinges. There were huge trees lying against buildings, holding residents captive in their homes. Finally the pounding began to stop, all but periodic wind gusts had finally seized. As I opened my front door I saw many of my neighbors straggling about, assessing the damage, most with looks of disbelief of how much damage the hurricane had caused. We were without power or phone service, including cell phones which had lost their service as well. We were on our own, yet we were all in this together.

Later that afternoon the sun began to shine and a cool wind began to blow. It was so surreal how we seemed to suddenly be experiencing a totally different season. How could it possibly be so beautiful outside in wake of the devastation and chaos that only moments ago had us fearing for our very lives?

We knew how fortunate we were to be spared the discomfort of the usual hot and humid days, thus making it a lot more tolerable to be without air conditioning and welcomed the cool breeze flowing through our open windows.

With nightfall came a great sense of helplessness. Candles flickered from window to window in each neighbors house. There must have been a million stars glistening from above, not a cloud in the sky. Across the way my flashlight settled on a neighbor cooking on a gas grill. He asked if the children and I were alright and then he kindly offered us the use of his grill, which I gladly accepted. I took out every bit of meat and chicken in my defrosted freezer and grilled for over 3 hours. I gave away whole chickens to several of my neighbors who I had said hello to many times, yet never knew their names before that night. This was the beginning of something very special. This was blessing that came with the pain. It put a smile on my face and showed me a beautiful side of the true nature and compassion brought out in people in times of trouble and adversity. A rare occasion to witness the unselfish and caring side of our inner beings. I looked up at the heavens and smiled, wondering, was someone trying to tell us something?

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Jay Bartels is the author of many human interest stories. Jay's own story of hope and inspiration can be found on his highly resourcefull family sites. Jay is a single father raising two young girls and shares his experiences in several journals that can be found on his web sites.

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