OT- Hurricane Charley - ThinnerTimes

sandi · 08-12-2004, 06:21 PM

Hi everybody!
I'm putting this 'off topic' note in here so that I can ask as many people as will read this to PLEASE PRAY FOR MY SON JEFFREY!!! He is in the path of Hurricane Charley that is expected to hit the Tampa Bay area tomorrow about this time. He's 50 miles straight east of Tampa...
I spoke to him this afternoon and they've closed the college where he works tomorrow, so, he was going home this evening and preparing the house for the winds that will come, and the rain that is inevitable. He's also putting extra nails in the fence around the pool and saving water in the bathtub, I told him to put some masking tape on the storm door at the front door and the sliding glass door in the back.... There's not a lot you can do during one of these horrible storms except stay inside and pray a lot. He's alone, and if you would, please remember me in your prayers too, this is very scary for me, he's so far away and I'm not there to protect him, like any mother would need to do for her child, no matter how old they are!!
Thanks everybody, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers SO much!!!

Mamabear · 08-12-2004, 08:08 PM

Oh, Sandi, you and Jeffrey will be in my prayers. I'm sure it is hard as his mother to know he's there alone. He's safely in God's hands. He will be okay, I just know it!!!!!! Love you!!!

Karen Wright · 08-12-2004, 08:53 PM

Sandi,

You got it, sister!! Prayers being said right now! Hugs sweetie!

Blueyz · 08-12-2004, 09:34 PM

Hi Pod Mate,

This one really hits close to home for me, too. My parent's home is in Estero and they are facing the same thing. I, of course am praying for Jeffrey and my parents along with the others in Florida.. I know they will be fine and make it through this. My dad has been on pins and needles all day worrying.
Sandi, my thoughts are with ya groove sister!

I see you are down some pounds,too. YEAH

sandi · 08-13-2004, 04:19 AM

Thank you girls for your thoughts and prayers for Jeffrey and myself, they mean a LOT to me...
Katie, you're up there where Bonnie is too, you'll be in my prayers as Charley heads your way when he leaves Florida and the surrounding areas, Dale, I'll sure be praying for your parents in Jeffrey's neck of the woods too!!! Golly, BOTH of my podmates in a sense are in harms way... You KNOW you're in my constant thoughts today and I'll be praying as always...
Thank you Karen my friend for yours too, prayer changes things, and doesn't cost a cent!

God Speed~

watergirl · 08-13-2004, 05:44 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Jeffery. As a mother, I totally understand your worries. Please know that God is with you both and would never leave you to go through this alone. May the grace of God comfort you now.

All my love,

Christina · 08-13-2004, 08:50 AM

Sandi and Dale,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families as you wait this storm out.

I hope that all will be ok with everyone..

pambragg · 08-13-2004, 12:33 PM

Sandi and Dale,
Both you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers as this hurricane heads for the coast. It is so hard as a mother to let go of that need to protect our young. My oldest son (26) just got out of the Army and I feel that my biggest prayer has been answered already!

sandi · 08-13-2004, 06:07 PM

I talked to my son as the eye of the hurricane was going over Fort Meade.....

He had decided to go to his church instead of staying at home alone, and I'm so glad that he did... During the time that we were on the phone, I heard screaming in the background, a HUGE oak tree had fallen to the ground. Jeffrey said they could hear it, and feel it... They had already seen one fall near the church. This is a small, very old town and the trees are probably 100 years old, so, you know they're tremendous in size...
He was going to stay at the church tonight since the town has no power and he can help with the 100 or so people who took shelter there, at least they'll have food and water and a place to lay their heads....
I want to thank all of you who prayed for him and for me today... it's been pretty stressful just knowing what was happening back there and watching it on TV and knowing what CAN happen during a hurricane.....

One good thing happened today..... after John being out of a job since December, due to the company leaving San Diego and him working there for 25 years, he got a call this morning, and the interview he had on Monday went well, because he got the job!!!! It's a temp for hire, but the lady was telling him all about their benefits and I think that's pretty good, they wouldn't share that info unless they had plans on hiring him permanently....
So, needless to say after these long months of wondering and worrying and of course some heavy duty praying, it has all come to a good ending....
Thank you everybody who knew about this and kept the situation in your prayers... You're all simply awesome!!!!
My love to you all!

watergirl · 08-14-2004, 11:22 AM

I was so glad to hear that Charley moved inland before hitting Tampa yesterday! The power of prayer. That must have been really scary to hear the tree fall and screaming! Oh my. Congratulations on John's job! I'm sure you're beathing a sigh of relief, on both stressful situations.