Switching Gears

A complete melt-down on the couch was the only way through my pity party at being 37 weeks pregnant, 3 years post-K, and evacuating from the next storm. I've tried too hard to keep my emotions in check, and of course, Mama tears means Ana fears: she peppered me with stuffed animals on every part and several blankets. Two Oreos for good measure.

Until my sob-fest, I was generally p-od about evacuating, and seethed with every mention Kevin made of going to the beach, and making the most of it. The very thing that I love about this man was completely maddening. I usually need his ying to my yang, but this time, just once, I wanted him to say, "It's not safe for us to venture too far away. Let's do X, and so-and-so will take care of the kids if you go into labor, and this will be our plan if X happens." Of course, this has never been and never will be, my husband.

I wish I could say that finances hasn't been playing a secret role in our struggle to decide, but it has. With maternity leave beckoning, and an invisible savings, the thought of an impromptu vacation seemed irresposible and reckless. So given some tips from our saavy friend, Holly, who negotiated our Ft Walton Beach accomodations for a song, I got online to negotiate directly with condo owners in the hopes that someone could give us a reduced rate at a relaxing locale.

vrbo.com was the site we hit. Lists of room descriptions, availability, and photos, and links directly to the owners for your negotiating needs. Holly shared that she had told them about her family, pointed them to her blog, etc. Given my recent online rants, I didn't point anyone to the blog, but told them about mine and Kevin's work, our kids, and my pregnancy. Within the hour, we'd received 4 phone calls. One with an offer we could neither refuse or believe. A condo owner on Navarre Beach was willing to have us stay at his condo for 3 nights for the cleanup fee. That's $90 people. George Georgiou is his name, and he's the chair of the Make A Wish Foundation, to which we'll be making a donation in his name.

And so, where am I now? I'm remembering the good that Katrina brought me. How it was an opportunity to be vulnerable and needy, and truly experience the kindness and beauty of people. And thanks to Mr. Georgiou, I feel my heart opening again, right when I'm tempted to be cynical, and angry and give up. I'm grateful at his reminder of how these situations bring us closer to each other, and that, is worth fighting for. I know I can go away, and I think, after this random act of love, I think I can come back too.

Gratefully yours,

Emmy