… Hurricane Ian hit.
One year ago, right about the time I am posting this the eye was passing. The previous 4 hours had torn the back of the roof to shreds and removed everything in the backyard. Everything was gone. Now it was time for the backside of the storm to take out the front side.
I made a quick trip outside in the intermediate lull, only to realize it wasn’t over. Now it was going to get worse. The backside brought with it a 15-foot storm surge which had begun and would last for the next five hours. Thankfully the core structure seemed intact.
Taking a breath and realizing everyone would feed from my vibe, I said a prayer for mercy, retreated to the hunker down position and reassured.
Internally I knew a purposeful God was reminding me of my selfish insignificance. I knew things would be different tomorrow. I was watching the physical landscape where my youth unfolded, forever changed; much of it erased completely.
The trees which once held the swings and forts for youthful triumphs, felled by nature’s fury and soon thereafter turned to mulch. Their trunks and branches now landscape mulch for a coming McMansion; a person with no similar attachment.
And so it goes…. And so, it goes. An apropos metaphor for life, and a not subtle reminder that we are temporarily living it.
If my younger self had known a clock was counting down, perhaps the kid would have paused under the shade of the old banyans and thanked them. Then again, it really wouldn’t be childhood if we carried such weighty concerns. I am forever thankful I never carried that weight, and simultaneously today I cherish each breeze with a newfound appreciation for what I did not know.
It is easy to lose our sense of optimism. Retaining a joyful perspective while everything around us seems mad isn’t easy. However, if you accept that you can create something just a little bit better by making a choice, then you have accomplished a great deal.
If you are reading this, you likely had no idea how much your prayers and support carried me starting one year ago, tomorrow.
I am blessed and thankful. I cherish you.
I have long felt that life is like a series of links in a chain. You might be driving down the road and you hear a song on the radio, or see a picture, and you feel a memory….
Something triggers within you that reminds of a different time and place than where you are right now.
You reflect.
The memories you consider remind you of a totally different time in your life.
Perhaps you lived in a different place. Perhaps you were surrounded by different people. Perhaps a different job or completely different friends. You recognize those memories were constructed like frozen moments in time. They became individual links in the chain in your life.
We never actually realize, in the immediate moment, when one link closes and another link begins. But when we look back, we can clearly see distinct points where things changed, the link closed, and a new link began.
You see, the links are only visible in reflection.
As we reflect, we find parts of the chain in our life where each link closes and connects with the other. A beginning, and an end. At the point where the links are joined, we carry parts of the previous link forward to the next.
For many people those connections are bonded by family, or very strong lifelong relationships. Connections which continue beyond our geographic moments, jobs or temporary acquaintances.
But for everyone, the primary bonding agent brought forward from one link to the next is us, our center, our values and core principles. Our beliefs.
The strength of the steel which comprises the links of our life is forged in the fire of adversity, weakness, challenge, pain, loss, and painful growth. The steel is then cooled with the tears of triumph, hurdles overcome and resolve.
The forging makes the steel stronger and able to withstand the pressures that accompany the additional length. Slowly the chain becomes wiser as it lengthens. Able to reach further, form more significant benefits and become more useful.
Hope replaces fear. Love replaces loneliness. Success replaces adversity. These are successful links began and finished while contributing to the whole.
At times we may manipulate the links with avoidance. We hide from -or choose to avoid- an issue in our effort to begin a new link before the old one was naturally, and spiritually, prepared to be closed.
Eventually, as life continues and the chain lengthens, the weak link can fracture, and we are forced to revisit/repair what we originally chose to avoid.
You see, in life we cannot control the universal laws that guide us. So, if we manipulate circumstances to avoid confronting our own weakness, we cannot fully strengthen our life of links. Eventually, the weakness of our past will impact our future.
So, what principles do we carry from link to link? What core values and beliefs stay with us throughout the journey of our lives? The answers to these questions are what makes us human spiritual beings.
We possess freewill able to make choices about what we do, and how we define our individual humanity; but can we then define ’right’ and ‘wrong’ according to our individual principles? Or are there principles that exceed our influence and definition?
Are there natural laws of right and wrong, good and bad, that cannot be subjected to the determination of man?
These are the bigger questions, perhaps the more important questions; and yet, perhaps the ones we reflect upon the least.
Consider the example of the ‘Law of the farm’ vs. the ‘Law of the School’. Natural principles vs. those made by man.
A student can skip class, take few notes, pay only half attention, then stay up all night cramming for a test and manage a decent grade. It depends on the student’s goal: grades or learning.
The student can choose to manipulate the education, by avoiding the learning and capturing the grade. This is possible in the ‘Law of the School’.
However, a farmer cannot take short cuts. A farmer cannot avoid tending to the soil, preparing the seed, fertilizing and nurturing the crop, and still gain the benefit of an abundant harvest.
The farmer must necessarily do all of the appropriate work in order to benefit from it. Such is the ‘Law of the Farm’, the natural law.
When one considers the weakness remaining within a poorly constructed and manipulated link, perhaps established by selfish choices and driven by avoidance and fear, one can be faithfully assured those who have dealt dishonestly with us will have to visit the issues of their association again.
Conversely, no amount of manipulation or avoidance on our own behalf is going to improve the frailty of any link without first resolving the lack of character which created the weakness.
So, we have choices in our lives. Decisions we each make regarding how we interact and participate in the lives and links of others, as well as how we choose to construct the links that comprise our own lives.
Do we base our sense of purpose around natural principles? Principles based on natural laws of right and wrong, good and bad, truth and lies. Do we forge strong links by following our heart, our values?
If we can interact with others absent of a prideful self-driven agenda, or manipulative intent, we can then apply such principles and strength to our endeavors.
If we protect the integrity of the soil upon which we build the foundation of our lives, we can live without regret.
If we fertilize and cherish our crop, and the crop of our neighbor, with honesty and sincere appreciation for the souls we meet along our chosen path, we will live a life of abundance.
If we tend carefully to the consideration of everyone, yet holding true to our values and principles, we can strengthen ourselves amid the face of adversity and disenchantment.
If we do not hide from, nor ignore our individual and collective faults, we can build the chain of our life with strength, humility, and purpose.
I wish for each of you a long chain of bold, strong, beautiful links, polished with the reflective brilliance of Love..
Thank you for your fellowship!
Steadfast,
~ Sundance
Reading this really jogs the mind, it’s strange all the things you go thru with these storms are front and center during and after. The days, weeks, sometimes months after are times when you just keep going and time is sunrise to sun down.
You clear and fix what you can in your immediate area then help neighbors, then branch out more.
If you can work on generators and small engines you are one popular guy.
As time passes the events fade then end up in some cranium file some where.
Reading this opened that file, one memory after another comes to the top from one storm after another.
I can see what the people on that coast were doing without being there.
The land heals, the blue roofs are fewer and fewer, in your mind you just hope that next year or any year for that matter it’s not your turn again.
At the beginning of storm season every year when talking to friends or just some one at a store, this will said repeatedly, “I don’t wish anything bad on anyone but sure hope we don’t get one.”
To our friends on the west coast I know when the sun comes up tomorrow your area will look better than a year ago, and I hope that every day is better than what today was.
I know as sure as the sun comes up it’s going to be our turn here on the east coast again, it’s just when. I’m really good with the path to the north Atlantic the storms have taken this year.
Thank you Sundance
Best to all
Sundance, I’m sorry that Ian damaged your house, but I’m so glad that you’re ok! My best wishes to you.
When I’m facing big changes in my life, I like to remember that God’s presence and love don’t change. If I pray about something, and a big change happens in my life, then I can go back to praying to the same God, about the same subject, after the big change. That continuity comforts me.
I have an idea, and I’m wondering if it would work: Right after a hurricane, a member of the local CERT, who is a drone pilot, can look for problems. The drone pilot would fly a drone that was equipped with a camera, heat sensor, smoke sensor, and gas leak sensor.
The pilot would fly the drone over the areas hit by the hurricane, looking for problems that need immediate attention. Ex:
– fires
– gas leaks
– houses that collapsed, with people trapped and injured inside.
The drone pilot would tell the fire department about each problem that he/she found.
I don’t know if a drone can operate a fire extinguisher, or use tools to stop a gas leak. If they can, that’s wonderful. But I think they can be used to look for problems.
Is this a good idea?
May God continue to bless you, Sundance.
Adversity does not build character, it reveals it. – James Lane Allen –
What a beautiful reminder Sundance. Life goes on no matter what. Thank you for the words of wisdom amongst the angst of your loss and recovery.
Sundance, maybe post a present-day picture of the same.
Local news stations are showing our progress to rebuild one year later and that is very encouraging.
Just like the present U.S. and world situation, we need to find ways to survive so we can rebuild and prosper on the other side of the storm.
Everyday I wake up to your message Sundance. Will we ever know who you are? I often wonder if anyone on this site has actually met you and had the honor to talk with you.
O man. Sundance this post brought tears. Such a deep read. You are right – try to live your best life. God bless you for all you do for us.
One can painfully identify and link growth to discovering the strength of a link forged in steel verses a link forged in ashes.
PS…Have been through and suffered complete scenery change in seven hurricanes, thus far…the strongest one taking out 44 rental houses. But my ancient oaks survived!!!
I especially like the part about natural law vs Man Made law. Work habits that produce a diploma and tassels won’t suffice for growing winegrapes and making sound wine. Strictly book learning won’t go very far towards producing generation after generation of outstanding sought-after livestock.
Amen.
I can only imagine what today must feel like for you, Sundance. An anniversary that you never wanted to have. BUT, your strength from God and from the sum of your life experiences has brought you out into the light and into a place of hope for the future. I always picture you as some high-level genius in his man cave with walls filled with dry erase boards! And numerous computers. Looks like it all survived! 😄 Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge, your proactive actions, and your very heart and soul with this worldwide audience that you have. We are all better humans for encountering the Treehouse while on our journey of life.
P.S. My hubby and I will be coming to Sanibel in early January. The excellent shelling has been on my bucket list for years. I promise to support the local businesses and who knows…..we may see you around. Maybe I’ll get one of those Tshirts with PDJT’s mugshot to wear while there….NEVER SURRENDER!!👍🏻🇺🇸👍🏻🇺🇸
Try MudBugs while you’re there!
I thought Ian was far enough away, but the winds had shifted overnight and we were suddenly within that cone. It was terrifying to watch the seawater rise (to 3 feet) and to hear that wind battering the roof all night.
With the morning light came an eerie silence. We were OK, the floodwaters having receded, and the house withstood only minor damage.
I said a silent prayer of thanks to the builder who had sold us the house only two years prior. This house is solid as a rock, and I am truly grateful for it!
We need to shield and fortify ourselves for the storms ahead, just like that builder ensured the structural integrity of my home. Without a steadfast faith in God to sustain us, it all comes tumbling down.
I can’t believe it’s been a year already! Seems like just yesterday. Anyone else noticing how time is speeding up? Every day brings us closer to the End Times.
Sundance and fellow Treepers, you havemy love and gratitude.
God Speed
Thank you, Sundance.
Sundance: To know you is to love you.
Sundance,
We were fellow Floridians with you in SWF, but not natives as you are. I often wonder where exactly you lived, but suspect it was near our former home in the Cape. We moved from there to a place in FM, closer to FMB. Right after that came Irma. We didn’t evacuate for that. Brutal. When Ian clearly was headed our way we DID evac. Thankfully our home was in very good shape, but our soul was shaken. Bless you for staying and hanging tough. We saw how bad the beaches were (and still are), how ridiculous insurance was growing, and started longing to be near our family again. So we sold our place and moved back to the Midwest.
Will always love Florida, and praying for your family and so many thousands of others to reach a full recovery. Ian was devastating on many levels. It made us reevaluate everything. Ultimately, “living our best life” meant moving away. We don’t regret it, but it’s not how we planned it. God bless all of the folks on Sanibel, Pine Island and Matlacha, Iona and Fort Myers Beach.
I am so grateful for your recounting of your story re Hurricane Ian. My Father and Mother were alive and living when the first F5 tornado blasted through the homestead where I live now in 1985. Two years earlier, all of our minds where blown away when my sister Cindy died. Cause was cancer from asbestos. Am starting to see articles on Dr. Mercola and other places about asbestos being used as a “filter” in the polio vaccine.
In any case you remind my of my Father, my sister, and my Mother. Strong, stoic, and mindful. Not afraid to recognize and mourn your losses while building strength for another day.
Whatever the adversity, their love of life, and whatever their faith may have been in, my parents and my sisterm and those living now, have forged a bond so mighty with me that at times they are very present in my life.
I am very sorry that you went through this trauma with Ian Sundance. I really am. But over many years now, after I get over the weeping and feeling sorry for the pain I go through again and again, I feel like nothing, absolutely NOTHING is going to kill my spirit. Nothing.
I am not naive enough to believe that “someone” does not want to hurt me. Maybe not personally. But I would be stupid indeed, at least I think so, that I don’t need to prepare for the next plandemic, of mind, body of soul. I love this song and will send support to CTH too.
Kate and Anna,
I just learned today that about 5 shrimp boats are back at work. Ian took all the shrimp boats and piled them up on land. These are large boats or small ships. Wish I could find a picture I had of the pile. It was going to be a huge job to untangle that pile of boats but evidently they did. If you ever get the chance to try Florida Pink shrimp, go for it. They are pink when raw and have the sweetest flavor.
Sundance, how high was the water line on your house?
Thank you for this Sundance.
Us CTH Ian survivors should meet up. I’m usually at Bonita bills for taco Tuesday.
Guy in the patriot hat.
Michael Henry on social media.
We can talk about why people aren’t listening to the warnings about what’s coming, which is 1 billion times worse than Ian
Thank you Sundance & Team, for forging a link that allows those who choose to do so, to connect.
Am thankful to the Lord for this connection & am glad we are also an assist for all o you.
There is nothing much to add to this beautiful piece of thought and writing. One thing I have learned, through the journey of life, is that there is one constant. And that constant is you. All relationships end at some point. All situations change as time goes on. The one thing that remains, that you carry with you throughout all, is the spiritual being you choose to become.
Thank you Sundance.
The fires we face with strength and purpose do forge a stronger chain. Thanks for this beautiful dissertation, and the reflection on childhood memories of beauty and adult actions that must be taken in difficult times.
We are blessed to have you, Sundance. I hope we are able to reciprocate through our meaningful discussions and reflections on your always brilliant posts. Thanks for removing the scales from my eyes regarding so much in this fallen world. I pray the good Lord blesses and protects you and yours as we all navigate the hurricane of chaos that seems to get crazier on a daily basis.
I love you, Sundance. Thank you for all your words of wisdom and encouragement.
Your chain of links are solid gold.
God Bless you!
MAGA 👊👊🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
For your young years…such an abundance of wisdom (and kindness). Thanks for sharing and blessing each of us with the foundation of truth.
Sundance, with all you have been through and overcome in this last year alone is a profound inspiration. Yet, you remain a beacon of light and truth for us all.
Sincere thanks for all that you do. Sending continued thoughts and prayers your way.
Thank you, Sundance. You help sustain us. Full of admiration for all that you do.
Just…BEAUTIFUL!
I drive thru Matlacha frequently, and there are still many structures that are hanging by a thread. I always say a prayer that the occupants of those structures were someplace safe, when the building was knocked from it’s foundation. What a resilient little community on Pine Island. I was in Cape Coral during Ian, and though there was widespread damage, nothing compared to what the barrier islands experienced. God Bless!
I am a Colorado transplant via a circuitous route that took our family through Belize for six months. Several links in my chain. No, I didn’t bring any Leftist ideologies to Florida with me. My family made Colorado home for over 100 years, and we are rock solid conservatives. No GOPe in our house.
My first hurricane of note was Michael that struck the panhandle on October 10, 2018. As it was approaching, a coworker named Michael was leaving Florida for a ‘better job’ back in the Carolinas. His parting message was you can remember me by the storm approaching from the Gulf. I do indeed.
Before Michael hit, we had nine 90′-100′ pines in our front yard with one only ten feet from the house. Every time the wind blew hard I would pray the God would spare us and our house. Thankfully, the storm was centered 100 miles to our West so the winds that passed through were parallel to the house. We lost ten trees that day, with the 106′ pine close to the house falling perfectly in line with the house. The neighborhood heard and felt the big pine hit the ground. Had Michael been closer, the winds would have put that tree on top of our house demolishing it and likely us within it.
Thus began six weeks of daily work running the chain saw, cutting trees, bucking them into manageable lengths that my dear wife and I could roll to the street for the countless trucks that came through picking up debris from fallen trees. Initially, it looked like an impossible task, but day by day we were given the strength and determination to press on.
The power was out throughout the city, and one of our trees had managed to break a water line underground requiring me to turn off the water at the main. The year before, I felt the urgency to get a generator, and so thankful that I had. To shower, or run quantities of water, I would go out to the main, turn it on, and then when the water needs were met, go turn it off again.
I was truly blessed in working for a company that purchased chain saws, and generators for those who didn’t have them. I was the recipient of a chain saw as my old Stihl only had a 16″ bar which was woefully inadequate for the task.
I’ve read of your chain link analogy before and it has caused me to look back at links in my own chain, grateful that some of the poor links I constructed didn’t completely fail. One of those links was two years in Cape Coral, Fort Myers with many trips through Matlacha to Pine Island. When Ian hit, I watched the aerial footage of the devastation, and my prayers were with you and the others who were now going through what I had too few years before.
Bless you! Reading the Word, and your latest missive begin my days…
“Law of the Farm.” Never heard of that one. I like. I like it a lot.