Thuwmpf. You know that sound. It’s the sound you hear before the deafening silence as your power goes out. All lights, all sound fades to blackness as electronics power down. Usually it is a bit of inconvenience. Maybe an hour – maybe four.
This time it was early in the am on Monday morning. And, the next time that it came back on without interruption was Thursday. Naturally that was the day we had a pipe burst and our kitchen flooded with water.
If you haven’t been following the news this week, severe weather affected more than 100 million Americans and with snow and ice. While power has been restored to millions in Texas, nearly half of the residents, 13 million as of Friday, don’t have access to clean, running water. How cold did it get? The Buzzfeed article brings it to life. Due to no electricity, the temperature in our home averaged about 47 degrees for several days – the single gas fireplace did not add much and even if we had a wood burning fireplace, there was no wood to be found.
Things only exasperated when our US Senator Ted Cruz decided a trip in Mexico was necessary for his family to escape his freezing home and, our “leader” lied about the trip blaming his daughters and even leaving his dog, “Snowflake” behind. This is not leadership no matter what your politics. As someone who invested in trip cancellation insurance and has had to disappoint my family because it was the right thing to do as a leader, I have no words except I hope Texans remember election time.
From a work perspective, it was tough. I consult for some clients and also have a job as the Acting Chief Marketing Office for a software and services company. I prayed for my laptop not to die while I hosted a global call with public relations agencies from the US, France and London and a new executive. I personally shared my plight in my leadership role, which resulted in our very kind and empathetic CEO, based in another country, telling people in Texas to stop working on Thursday and Friday and to concentrate on their families. I tried to hold it all together, but a hot spot can only do so much. Thankfully, most people were understanding.
In the wine world, I also experienced grace. I had three tastings (one podcast) and one happy hour read the headlines and immediately offered to reschedule or gracefully allowed me to bow out. It’s hard when your Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs comes down to basic survival. Thank you to Gabe’s View, Alma de Cattleya, Dandy Wine and La Valentía Wine for your understanding.
There are many moments that define a family when they spend a week huddling up by a gas fire (and I’ve never been so thankful for that fireplace) with candles lit waiting for power that always seemed too fleeting. It was a lot of cold, darkness, candles, rummaging for food in the fridge and pantry and, of course, there was wine.
A few moments are worth mentioning:
- My amazing family – there actually were some strong bonding moments huddling together in the cold. Both my husband and daughter showed some superhero moments. My husband helped an elderly neighbor get medical attention when he found her in the snow with a bleeding head wound. He helped three neighbors turn off the water lines to their homes saving countless dollars of damage from their busted water pipes. And, if our daughter didn’t go for a midnight snack, we wouldn’t have known a pipe exploded in our kitchen, pouring water throughout. Our animals definitely provided lots of moments of warmth except when they huddled by the fire (taking our warm place.)
- My caring neighbors and friends – we helped neighbors and neighbors helped us. It was the true definition of what a good neighborhood is and we, frankly, have one of the best. So many friends and relatives texted and emailed to check in on us. People gave us food so we had meals. They gave us fresh water. We received so many encouraging messages as we sat in the dark.
- This portable charger that I hadn’t used in years – thank you for still powering me up and allowing me not to lose my 622 consecutive move day on my Apple Watch when the battery unexpectedly died.
- My contractor – he was amazing. We’ve worked with him a long time and he came quickly Friday and capped our damaged water pipe so we had water to the home again. I’m sure when the dust clears, we’ll find out the extent of the pipe damage and replacement, but not having to use snow to wash our hands and flush our toilets, is such a relief.
I also learned another lesson. On Wednesday, after little to no sleep because it was so cold, I took a melatonin hoping it would give me some relief. Close to midnight, my daughter came into our room yelling that we had a water leak. I don’t remember much, but apparently, I stood in my blue reindeer Christmas pajama bottoms in a complete daze asking, “do you need my help.” I managed to shovel up some water and call the insurance company, but I think most of my participation was standing in a trance in the water like some crazy Lady of the Lake. Probably not the best in a crisis situation. But we have a great family story.
We are lucky. Some are not. While power has been restored for some, we now face a crisis where many, including my parents and brother, have to boil water because water treatment facilities are not deemed safe. We have a shortage of bottled water and there are too many households with no water due to busted pipes and not enough plumbers to fix them. NBC News sums it all up here. I pray that people get the relief that they need quickly. It was the nights the lights went out in Texas, neighbors gathered together to assist and a gas fire, our pets, wine and togetherness saved our personal sanity.
Well written story. Feel your pain.
Such needless suffering. I’m so sorry for you guys.
Thanks so much. So appreciate you checking in on me during this crazy week!
We were blessed this time. All of our utilities remained on. But my grandson broke his ankle on the ice. Compared to what others went through, we are thankful that was the worst of it.
Oh Mel, I am so sorry! You guys have really been through it all but as always come through with the joy if life. All my best, Marianne
Today is such a much brighter day!
I’m so sorry for your grandson! So glad you guys are doing well and didn’t have the damage.
Well written story. Glad things are getting back to normal and you are all doing well. Can feel the pain on water – got a call from my son 2 week ago Sunday saying it was pouring in the condo he rents from me. Unit above had pipe break – still waiting to get estimate on damage but have son home :). Take care!!
I am sorry to learn about your family’s situation. Hopeful that things improve soon. You sure write well. Happy you have a responsive contractor. Let me know if there is anything you need. I’m not sure how to help. Sending positive thoughts for the moment. Tim.
Fairly big hole in that pipe! The loss of power and cold wasn’t enough? So sorry you have to deal with the flood damage too.
It definitely made us stronger, but I can’t tell you how relieved I am in is over!!
Your kind words already helped. Think you!
I’m so sorry about your son. I hate to hear that. I hope he’s back to normalcy soon!
Wow! I kept saying that with each news day. Not sure even you had enough to wine to keep warm… I’d turn to Brandy or Whiskey for sure. Glad you’re well. Hi to John. Glad you’re all safe and surrounded by such a wonderful community, Ted not included.
It was just a crazy time. Thanks so much for understanding and letting me bail on the tasting. It was 100 percent red wine for me along with great neighbors that saved the day 🙂