To Run From A Hurricane Is To Forever Know Fear

Reports of damage caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022 made me tremble. Images of winds reaching unbelievable speed, water rising at an incredible pace, tear stained faces adorned our television screens, screams heard around the world while most of us looked on helpless. During this time some of us had friends that were caught in the battle. As I viewed texts messages from a few dear friend fearful for the safety of herself, and her family- it took me back to memories I can not escape. A time when what started as a joyous time, placed my family in the midst of running for our lives from Hurricane Irma. A time that encased me with repeated fear, and caused me to view life with a new set of eyes.

What started out as a fun adventure to Orlando, Florida to celebrate a recent graduation for my daughter soon turned to repeated reports of a hurricane approaching, and feeling the escalation of winds each day. While we knew hurricanes were common in the area, when the locals began to tell us you might want to plan to leave we knew things were becoming serious. Plans changed when we learned a flight we planned to get on had been cancelled, and no flight were being allowed to leave the area. "Check back in a few days," we were told. A call to our terrified AAA representative (who received my earlier voicemail) caused our anxiety to elevate. They knew we might be in trouble. I began calling the airlines repeatedly, as the lines were bombarded with calls. Finally reaching an airline representative, I explained we had a Disney package and needed help getting back to the Pacific Northwest but flights were cancelled. A sweet soul on the other end of the telephone said we "we have got to get you out of there, let me help you" as she explained the possibility of flights leaving in a couple of days. Seats were limited, and the ones available were now being sold for 1,000 dollars and more. How could they do that to people I asked. People were trying to get help and price gouging appeared to be happening. Clinging to the phone I realized there were so many people needing to get to safety. What made me different? How could I trust the voice on the other end of the phone to get us out of here.

My husband had left to get a rental car, because we decided we would drive back to Seattle if we had to. Surprisingly, a supervisor got on the telephone to speak to me. His fast speech made me even more nervous. I could hear what sounded like a commotion occurring in the back ground. I soon realized it was phones ringing off the hook, and multiple representatives talking at once to other customers. "You have got to head north he yelled repeatedly. If you get there we will get you on that flight leaving tomorrow morning." Ok, I shouted in to the phone, but I don't know what that means. I don't live in this state. Where am I heading?"

Atlanta, Georgia it turns out was the destination. It was going to take approximately four hours to reach. My husband successfully secured the car, and had filled it up. We felt if we waited there would not be one for us. Everyone was trying to get a car. We planned to hit the road the next morning after resting. But after laying down for a few short hours, my husband woke from a sound sleep and stated repeatedly "we need to go." He was insistent and we all began grabbing our items fast, and ran to the car as quickly as we could. In the darkness of night we began down the road. My husband explained his overpowering feeling of urgency. I will never forget the look in his eyes, and the eyes staring at us as we drove by. Looking closer I see multiple large deer. Their fear seemed evident. Somehow I could sense it. The line of headlights was beginning to grow, and I suddenly felt relief that we were heading out. My husband pushed the Eco Mode button in the vehicle. Was it going to help our fuel efficiency? At the time we weren't certain, but we decided not to take any chances. Approximately four hours they told us, and we would reach our destination, but we had no idea of what we would see along the way.

The further we drove the more congested the freeway became. People were driving erratically. Freeway exits leading to gas stations were backed up for miles. We did not need to stop, we had plenty, and I was thankful. The sides of the freeway were filled with people stretching their legs, using the bathroom, holding babies, walking infants, eating from coolers... We intentionally did not drink much water initially, to avoid the need to stop. We chugged along. The images of such a large population embedded in my memory. As I looked over my right shoulder I saw a family letting their mid-size dog out of the van to use the restroom. He jumped out, seemingly excited to be free. But, his movements were too quick and I immediately saw the horror on a female face, and knew I needed to close my eyes to avoid seeing the full impact of what was about to happen. "Oh no please." I sat stiff, only hearing the screeching sound of tires in the distance.

Three hours passed, and we stopped for breakfast sandwiches. Before eating we used the rest room, and that turned out to be the right decision. By the time we left there were about 25 people standing in line for two bathroom that each had one stall. Youngsters crying because they were hungry, and needed to use the bathroom, exhausted patrons doing their best to appear patient. Others straining to hold up and care for the elderly people with them, while they held diapers that needed to obviously be placed on them. Everyone wore overwhelmed expressions upon their faces. Hitting the road once more, we did not stop again until we saw the beautiful sign welcoming us to Atlanta. Seven hours later.

Our hotel was located right next to the airport. Done intentionally so that we could leave early and not allow anything to cause a delay. Our flight was departing at 6:15am, and we were in line hours in advance. The supervisor kept his word, confirmed our spot on the flight and made sure there were no extra charges for the flight change. I heard stories from others that did not encounter the same fate. They didn't dwell on it, they just wanted out of the state. As we prepared to board I saw a screaming woman running while pushing a wheelchair. An airport staff member had another wheelchair beside her with an elderly woman in it, and was running just as fast. Repeated banging on closed doors by her noted no response. Dropping to her knees her shoulders shook as the tears flowed freely... "these are my parents what am I going to do with them now?" The shrieks of desperation will never be forgotten. As many of us looked at each other with sorrow, there was no way we could open the doors, the plane was backing up from the ramp. No way we could find a seat for them, she was out of time. There was nothing we could do. We had no control, and it weighed heavy to feel this helpless.

As the flight announcement began that morning, we were told the entire plane was full. A woman across from me stated she had left with only the clothes on her and her young sons back. They were heading to her sisters in Seattle. I held my breath as we picked up speed down the runway. The front of the plane lifted up, to the cheers and claps from those onboard. I closed my eyes and finally let a tear flow. Glancing towards my youngest daughter, I didn't breath comfortably again until I landed in Seattle.

Remembering all the individuals we talked to during the trip, remembering what we witnessed along the way, and those that helped us navigate our journey home I will never forget. We were fortunate. To hear that a hurricane is reaching an area, never sounds the same. Since that time I have looked at each day with a new set of eyes. Appreciating peaceful travel when it happens, and never forgetting to acknowledge, the happiness and gratefulness that I get to experience each day.