We’ve been following the recent hurricane events taking place and I feel for all the people that have to evacuate and endure all the stress of not knowing the outcome. I remember calling my mom in tears as hurricane Ivan was crashing over us while living in Pensacola, Florida. Will had duty at the Naval Hospital so we could not leave the area, but he also worked at a local hospital in town so we stayed there during the hurricane’s landfall. I hope we never have to undergo that sort of experience again.
The hospital was hit by a tornado and it was terrifying listening to all the booming sounds of debris hitting the hospital as well as the windows blowing out all around us. The hospital also served the community as a shelter and there were tons of people sleeping in hallways and wherever they could find an open spot. After many agonizing hours we were able to walk outside; it was heart wrenching to see all the damage around us. At that moment all we could think of was to get back to our home to make sure it was still standing. It was our first home and we had it built a couple of years prior so it was equipped with the best hurricane standards, but we lived about 5 miles or so from the beach so we were not sure what to expect.
I’m very thankful that we were able to stay together as a family and that each of us was safe during that time. It was also a relief when we made it to our home and it was still there. The only damage it took on was the landscaping was destroyed and we lost a few shingles.
I met so many people who suffered during Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Katrina.. and saw firsthand what force a hurricane can bring. My heart goes out to those who are preparing for the hurricanes now.
Jayce and BJ during Hurricane Ivan in Pensacola, Florida.
This is the local hospital where BJ worked on-call for the Nuclear Medicine Department.
This is a Jayce during Hurricane Dennis at the hospital where BJ worked on-call.
This was our home in Pensacola.
Over the weekend we went to the village of Caltagirone to go to the market. Before heading to the market we drove around the community taking in the sites and wonderful views. This village is not quite as big as Catania, but not as small as Mineo. However, it does have its own unique appeal. After leaving Caltagirone we headed to Mineo to eat at a pizzeria called Casa Mia. The men that worked there were so generous and kind to us. We had a good meal consisting of swordfish, penne pasta, sausage, fries and bruschetta. Afterward, we came home and relaxed the rest of the day. Oh, and we ate up the goodies that we bought at a bar in Caltagirone~~mmm.. mmm.. yum!!
