thoughts on the news of the day: hurricanes

hmmm…..

            The news today is all about Irene.  She’s the hurricane that is threatening the eastern coast of the United States.  Tropical storm warnings are already out and experts are examining bridges and other structures to determine if they are hurricane proof.

            My brother and his wife are watching the hurricane, too.  They have had a vacation to the Bahamas planned for some time and its dates are right around when the hurricane should hit landfall there.  It’s not so easy to change your plans these days.  Days off are planned at work, flights cannot be cancelled and changes of dates can be expensive.  Hotel reservations are locked in and the rest of the details are pretty much irreversible.  So they are going anyway.

            It’s not like they haven’t been in a hurricane before.  Many years ago they rode through one on the coast of Mexico.  Fortunately they were bunkered in a hurricane proof hotel, but it was harrowing just the same.  Maybe someone should tell them that hurricane season is from May to September; but I admire them for their courage in going anyway.  It will be the same for the folks who decide to stay in their homes while Irene plows through the eastern seaboard; they are brave, but at same time they take great risks and it remains to be determined whether the gamble was worth it or not. 

            Hurricanes are another reminder that we still have choices.  Do we go or do we stay?

            hmmm…..