It has been a very tense week for us all in the Town of Highland Home.

As Hurricane Ivan ripped through the area, we all waited in anticipation of what was going to happen, which was one of the hardest parts.

We all knew that we could not stop what was coming, but could only wait and see. Wait to see if our homes would survive and if our family and friends would be safe. As I sat there those two days watching the wind blow and the trees fall, I was very frightened. It was also frustrating. The electricity did not go out in our area until Thursday morning. We were very lucky in that respect. Some people's lights went out early the night before.

Those unfortunate souls had to face the night in darkness with only the wind to keep them company. I watched the television all night, hoping that it was all a mistake and Ivan was not on its way. Sure, I saw all the traffic on 331 and all the destruction left behind on those islands it devastated, but some times it is hard to comprehend something that you can't immediately see.

I was also worried about my patients, most who live in small old wood houses and mobile homes. But they refused to leave. One patient told me he was 92-years-old and his God was the same in the storm as he was in the sunshine. He was sure He would keep him safe.

That patient is fine and slept through most of the storm, but it takes a great deal of practice to get that kind of faith. We all seem to worry about the small stuff, what we wear, what our hair looks like and what will be on television. Then things such as Hurricane Ivan come and just surviving it is the only thing we can think about. We tend to take things for granted, which is very noticeable once the electricity is off for a few days.

Like most people, my refrigerator supplies were lost almost immediately. We also didn't have a phone for a few days, which was not bad thing. Also, like everyone else, I whined a good deal about the loss of my luxuries. Then I decided to drive into Highland to buy a warm coke.

Several things happened on this trip.

First I went to Vicki's and saw lines of cars waiting to get gas and supplies. I know that some of these people were going back to nothing. Then I had the chance to talk to Ms. Carol, who lives in Highland Home in the Magnolia Shores area.

Ms. Carol one of these people whom you see on a daily basis and is always nice. But that day, she was not smiling. During the conversation, she informed me she had lost her house in the storm. A big tree had fallen through the roof and destroyed the main part of her house as well as her furnishings. But she didn't complain and I refrained from my complaining.

You can see God's mercy after something of this magnitude. I have been in many areas since the storm. It has absolutely amazed me that there were so many trees down and only missed homes by inches. Power lines were down everywhere, but no one was hurt. Something that amazed me even more was the amount of kindness that has been shown by strangers.

My father lives in Mobile and stayed in my grandfather's house during the storm. However, in the middle of the night, the roof started pouring water as a result of the aging home's condition. He left in the middle of the night and headed to New Ebenezer Church. It wasn't very far away, but he stated it was a very long drive due to the heavy winds. They were very kind to him and even gave him and my uncle meals. There were also many more shelters open simply to help others. Highland Home Fire and Rescue was also on stand-by, just in case they were needed.

An amazing thing happened on Saturday:

ice arrived!

You don't realize how wonderful a simple thing like ice is until it is not available. The Helicon Community Center was carrying ice around to those people who still did not have electricity. An 18-wheeler arrived from up north, also carrying free ice.

I am writing this late on Sunday night and I am still without electricity. But I have my home and my family. I don't necessarily like driving to Luverne every night to take a hot bath, but I am spending more time with the people I love, but I can assure you it will be a long time before I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich again.

I think God always has our best interest at heart. Maybe he brings storms so that we will slow down and appreciate the sunshine. Maybe he sees that we take too much of his gifts for granted.

I once read on a church sign:

sometimes we have storms only to make us stronger. That is true. Ivan brought our community together and we will be strong again!

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Due to the storm, I have been unable to get in touch with all of the Homecoming Court.

I will have the results next week.

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Please remember to help your elderly neighbors. They are unable to clean up themselves and cannot afford to do so.

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Pray for everyone and their families.

This has been a very difficult time for everyone, some more than others.

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Remember if you have any church or family news please let me know. I would also like to hear from any military families in our community in order to start a prayer list for them. Please feel free to call me or e-mail me at pen122@mon-cre.net.