“My lass’ do not be sad. Sure the house is a disaster, but the most important thing is that we are all safe. We survived the storm. With the strength in our bodies, and will in our hearts we will rebuild this house – together.”
Mamai and Anna Lee shook their heads in agreement, and off they went to get supplies for the safe spot.
Mamai said, “I will gather as much food as I can find and take it to the safe spot. Anna Lee, you go and get some more blankets and pillows. Find anything else that you think we might need to live in the safe spot until we can get the roof fixed.”
“Ok, Mamai, I will.”
As Anna Lee was searching through the mess, and she let her mind wonder about how the people in the big city were getting along. Did they have a mess to rebuild or were they spared the effects of the storm? She wondered if other girls her age had to be sifting through their belongings wishing that this was all just a dream.
“I guess it really doesn’t matter whether you live on the farm or in a big city. When disaster strikes, you just have to do the best you can to rebuild. I have to remember what Da said – we are safe and that’s all that is important.”
As the girls were rummaging through the ruble to find things to help them live a bit more comfortable during the reconstruction, Da drove the old Ford truck into the fishing village. He needed to pick up some supplies such as nails, wood, and some plastic sheets to cover the big hole in the roof. When he got to the town he noticed that the damage was far worse than what they had experienced on the farm. The storm caused the sea to surge in high waves and it pulled boats, docks, and buildings back into the sea. People just stood around looking lost. Children were clinging on to their mamas with great fear, while their fathers sifted through the ruble to find missing people. When Da saw all of this, his first thought was to help whomever he could. He knew that he couldn’t help everyone, but searched through the crowds to see who needed him most. Since he came to town for supplies he looked for Mr. McMullen, the blacksmith. He found him sitting in his broken up Shoppe with his face buried in his hands.
“Mr. McMullen, are you alright? Where be your wife? Can I offer you any help? In times like tis, we need to stand together.”
“Oh, my dear lad, the Mrs. is safe and is resting in the back room. I don’t know how you could help. It seems all is lost. I’m far too old to rebuild. I guess it’s time to move on.”
“Oh, Mr. McMullen, you have many friends. We will all work together and bring the town back to life. However, at this time I’m needing a few things to fix my roof. Do you mind if I look about for some items? I will pay you.”
“Help yourself! Don’t mind the pay right now, money has no meaning.”
Da found all he was looking for, but before he headed home he made sure that Mr. McMullen and his wife were safe and had some food and water for a few days.
“I’ll be back in a few days to help out. Be looking for me,” said Da to Mr. McMullen.
Anna Lee kept looking for Da to return home. She was anxious to see how the town had faired the storm. In her little mind she figured that if they lived out the storm unscathed then living in the city was a better place to live. This was going to be her decision maker. Living on the farm with all the chores and frailty of living in the open or the possible security of living among many where things remained safe from any pestilence. Finally, she saw Da coming up the lane. She ran out to meet him. She could hardly contain herself. She was full of questions about how the town.
Da opened the door of the truck and Anna Lee was right there with a face full of wonder. Da took her hand and told her of all the destruction that the little fishing village had experienced. Anna Lee stood there with her mouth wide open in disbelief. How could this happen, she thought? Da sat her down and explained about the power of the sea. He told her how buildings, boats, and docks were missing. How people were standing around in a daze because of all that had transpired the day before. Anna Lee took a deep breath and said,
“I guess it doesn’t matter where you live or what you do as a profession – if trouble is going to find you. It will find you anywhere. I guess I need to stop worrying so much about my future and just live for today. It seems that nothing is completely safe, whether in town or on the farm. What is important is that you love your family and help others who need it.
LaDonna Fridenmaker~Writer 