rooted2019

Forty years ago today, my family and I went through a hurricane experience we will never forget. It destroyed our home and the way of life that we knew. We survived, though many near us didn't. Rough estimates are that 2,000 people died and 200,000 people became homeless. Hurricane David was a category 5 storm when it made landfall in the Dominican Republic with winds of 280km/h (175mph). The eye of the storm passed within 15 miles of us. We were isolated for days after the storm along with about 300 people from the area. We learned to rely on our neighbours for survival together. I learned that you can bathe and wash your hair in the ocean, if you have to. I learned that we need fewer things than we think and we need people a lot more than we think. I learned that the places where you spend your formative years are etched into your heart and memories like no other places. I learned that generosity and kindness can come from unexpected places like perceived weakness and po