The power went out at my house around 11:15 last night - it came back on about 30 minutes ago. I have never been so grateful to hear the whistle of an air conditioning unit or to see the flickering of a light in my life.
I was only without power for about 22 hours, and though the high did not reach as far as it has in the past during the summers - it was a mere 94 in lieu of an average 100-plus - being without power was a lot tougher for me than I would have liked to admit. My house wasn't awfully hot, but it was uncomfortable. Traversing my house without lights wasn't horribly difficult, but it was uncomfortable. The prospect of sleeping in stagnant, heavy, hot air wasn't inconceivable, but it was uncomfortable.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm incredibly lucky. I am very lucky to have electricity - heck, even to have a house or just running water in general! I guess I just never really realized how much I take electricity for granted, especially when the temperatures outside are not in a comfortable range. I can't begin to fathom the things some people have to put up with when they are homeless, or even when they lack simple things like running water or electricity.
I suppose it's always a good thing to take a step back from the "entitled life" and think about the things that I take for granted every single day.
However, having my family here and laughing about our bad luck together in the stagnant, hot air, our faces illuminated by candles (and a make-shift lantern fashioned from a flashlight and a bottle of sparkling water) is definitely one of those special memories that I'll refer to when I need to bring a smile to my face. :)
Take a moment to count the things you're thankful for tonight, y'all! And don't forget something basic, like running water, a roof over your head, or electricity.
xx
ola
No comments:
Post a Comment