Jan, I can totally relate Sanibel is in dire straits for sure. We are in Bonita Springs and we have been truly blessed and our only inconvenience was we were without power for almost five days. We do still have a curfew from 9pm to 6am but that never affects us!
So glad Bonita Springs made it through the hurricane, Rita!!! Someone sent me this video clip. The Seaside Inn is the place I wrote about in this blog. I will cherish all my wonderful memories there. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=811648060261610
It is very sobering and Sanibel with Fort Myers on the mainland were very hard hit both in Lee County, where unfortunately so far most of the recorded deaths occurred. And most of the damage. Bonita suffered along the coast. We are 3 miles inland and almost in Naples. Fort Myers is 25 miles North. Lee County is large!
Oh yes, I am familiar with the area. Love Lee County. At one time I wanted to retire there, but my husband is Ohio born & raised and didn't want to leave here. My brother & his family live in Ft Myers. My mom lived in Lehigh Acres for nearly 30 years. Our friends from here in Ohio have a condo behind the big Super PGA store in Naples. We do visit them in the winter. You people are so lucky to live down there -- except for hurricanes. xoxo PS My brother said the sound of generators in Ft Myers is deafening, but he was glad the birds returned a couple days later. Things I never thought about.
It is a lovely place to live in the cold northern winter months. We are also snowbirds, usually, we sold our house in Massachusetts last November. Having another built up there but it has taken longer to build, for all sorts of reasons, was due to be finished next month but will now be done, we hope, next February. So the summer months have been challenging especially for me. Your brother is right the sound of generators, police, ambulance and fire trucks working has been non-stop for us a little closer to a road probably. We have also seen some different birds returning. This was the first hurricane for us. Would not want to experience another but I have to say our experience was not bad compared with so many but who knows what it could be like next time. Don’t think we would chance it.
I love these kind of stories Jan. So sorry to hear about the devastation there, but you always have the memories. Praying for all those affected by the hurricane. I agree, your Mom was there when that rainbow appeared. As you put it, God and your mother were winking at you two. You know me, those rainbows hold a very special meaning to me.
Thanks, Anne ~ I've been having problems with Substack lately -- have to go "around Robinhood's barn" to get to specific places. (Could be my computer.) My mom appeared regularly on Sanibel in God Winks. I will miss those. She always hated the cold, but I hope she shows up more often back here in Ohio now. Wanted to let you know I love all your poetry. It is amazing to me how God lays them on your heart. I struggle & struggle writing poetry. I guess God has different ideas for me. Oh, and thanks for introducing me to a lot of new music. Loved the last one. I think it was Say I Won't.
That’s right the song I mean. God is just really working in me right now because anything I write comes directly from him. I can either write or not write. What I mean is that I have to be in a certain mind framework and so in sync with God when I write poetry. You just never know when that will be. I appreciate your kind words. Take care and God bless!
Hi Elizabeth ~ I bet she's there with God too. It's unbelievable how things can change in a split second. We already know that, but reminders like this bring it home again.
Hi Jan ~ I can't imagine any trailers surviving that hurricane. The before & after pics of the Lighthouse at Sanibel is unbelievable -- the buildings completely GONE -- not a stick of wood left. Where did all of it go? Out to the Gulf? On top of other buildings? Somewhere with 1000s of trailers, I guess. So sad! I hope your friend is all right though. I don't have details, but my family down there says they are OK.
She’s ok. She wasn’t there. She was here. She only spends winters there. But she is hysterical for losing it all. Apparently the scene where you see sharks swimming in the streets was her neighborhood. One of her neighbors said there was water up to the ceiling. So nothing much is left. And they couldn’t get insurance on the trailer, so all is lost. I have another friend with a brick home that lost everything on first floor of their 2 story home. They are going together to see what is left.
We stay at a place on Sanibel next to Ding Darling Nature Reserve -- which is full of alligators. My husband & I were wondering where they are now?!?! I heard the insurance agencies are fleeing the scene. I can see why your friend is hysterical.
😢My heart and prayers go out the the islanders and people in the way of the hurricane Ian🌀. There will be so many sad stories. We can make plans, but God decides. 💔😇🙏🏼
Oh my, the heartbreak going on there must be excruciating. So sad! The quote you ended with has popped up several times in my life in the passed month. I think I'm supposed to be learning something... xoxo
Jan this is a magical story that just reminds us that often, it’s the little things that mean so much. Sometimes coincidences are more than that- they are precious reminders from the past. Thank you for one of those reminders.
Love your story about family and Sanibel, Jan. It's obvious you've enjoyed it for many years and have wonderful memories. Sanibel will be restored to it's beauty and you and your daughters will be able to continue making memories again!
Loved this Jan. It a beautiful story. I’ve been to Florida but only to Ormond beach. My aunt lived there. She commuted back and forth from Illinois to Florida. My mom would be here traveling buddy.
I’m so very sorry to hear of the devastation. I know Floridians are strong and they will rebuild. But the pain is quite sharp! I am praying for all! I am thankful however that you have those beautiful memories!
My sister Nanette and her husband Joe lived there early in their relationship and we always love this island for many of your reasons. The news about the bridge and such devastating photos breaks my heart.
Vicki -- I think I remember your sister managed or owned a restaurant there, correct? With the Island Cow burning down earlier this month & now this hurricane I wonder if Sanibel can ever come back. A couple years ago the woman we rented from down there sold her place -- in fear of losing all her assets in a hurricane. We were so disappointed, but she definitely made the right decision.
Hello, everyone! I don't know if you will get this comment or not, but wanted to share this video someone sent me. The Seaside Inn in this clip is the place I wrote about in this blog entry. Watch to the end to get the full effect. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=811648060261610
Jan~ I love the God Winks in your beautiful story. You know they were sent by your sweet mother and God. Sanibel will build itself back to the gem it once was....we must have faith!💝
Jan, I can totally relate Sanibel is in dire straits for sure. We are in Bonita Springs and we have been truly blessed and our only inconvenience was we were without power for almost five days. We do still have a curfew from 9pm to 6am but that never affects us!
So glad Bonita Springs made it through the hurricane, Rita!!! Someone sent me this video clip. The Seaside Inn is the place I wrote about in this blog. I will cherish all my wonderful memories there. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=811648060261610
It is very sobering and Sanibel with Fort Myers on the mainland were very hard hit both in Lee County, where unfortunately so far most of the recorded deaths occurred. And most of the damage. Bonita suffered along the coast. We are 3 miles inland and almost in Naples. Fort Myers is 25 miles North. Lee County is large!
Oh yes, I am familiar with the area. Love Lee County. At one time I wanted to retire there, but my husband is Ohio born & raised and didn't want to leave here. My brother & his family live in Ft Myers. My mom lived in Lehigh Acres for nearly 30 years. Our friends from here in Ohio have a condo behind the big Super PGA store in Naples. We do visit them in the winter. You people are so lucky to live down there -- except for hurricanes. xoxo PS My brother said the sound of generators in Ft Myers is deafening, but he was glad the birds returned a couple days later. Things I never thought about.
PS. Our condo is in Spanish Wells off Bonita Beach Road! Xoxo
It is a lovely place to live in the cold northern winter months. We are also snowbirds, usually, we sold our house in Massachusetts last November. Having another built up there but it has taken longer to build, for all sorts of reasons, was due to be finished next month but will now be done, we hope, next February. So the summer months have been challenging especially for me. Your brother is right the sound of generators, police, ambulance and fire trucks working has been non-stop for us a little closer to a road probably. We have also seen some different birds returning. This was the first hurricane for us. Would not want to experience another but I have to say our experience was not bad compared with so many but who knows what it could be like next time. Don’t think we would chance it.
I love these kind of stories Jan. So sorry to hear about the devastation there, but you always have the memories. Praying for all those affected by the hurricane. I agree, your Mom was there when that rainbow appeared. As you put it, God and your mother were winking at you two. You know me, those rainbows hold a very special meaning to me.
Thanks, Anne ~ I've been having problems with Substack lately -- have to go "around Robinhood's barn" to get to specific places. (Could be my computer.) My mom appeared regularly on Sanibel in God Winks. I will miss those. She always hated the cold, but I hope she shows up more often back here in Ohio now. Wanted to let you know I love all your poetry. It is amazing to me how God lays them on your heart. I struggle & struggle writing poetry. I guess God has different ideas for me. Oh, and thanks for introducing me to a lot of new music. Loved the last one. I think it was Say I Won't.
That’s right the song I mean. God is just really working in me right now because anything I write comes directly from him. I can either write or not write. What I mean is that I have to be in a certain mind framework and so in sync with God when I write poetry. You just never know when that will be. I appreciate your kind words. Take care and God bless!
I thought of you all day watching the hurricane destroying your peaceful retreat. Beautiful tribute to your mom.
So sorry.
Thanks, Diane! We know things keep changing in life... Going to try focusing on all those great memories. xoxo
This is beautiful Jan! Nice memories and your mom is definitely there. My prayers for the people affected by the hurricane. 🌼
Hi Elizabeth ~ I bet she's there with God too. It's unbelievable how things can change in a split second. We already know that, but reminders like this bring it home again.
My hope is that your Mom and God were there and are there to help others on the island and in the state pick up the pieces of their lives.
Thanks, Janice! That's what I'm hoping too. xoxo
Beautiful memories! It is so sad of the devastation this hurricane has caused. My friend had a trailer in Fort Myers. It was destroyed. So so sad.
Hi Jan ~ I can't imagine any trailers surviving that hurricane. The before & after pics of the Lighthouse at Sanibel is unbelievable -- the buildings completely GONE -- not a stick of wood left. Where did all of it go? Out to the Gulf? On top of other buildings? Somewhere with 1000s of trailers, I guess. So sad! I hope your friend is all right though. I don't have details, but my family down there says they are OK.
She’s ok. She wasn’t there. She was here. She only spends winters there. But she is hysterical for losing it all. Apparently the scene where you see sharks swimming in the streets was her neighborhood. One of her neighbors said there was water up to the ceiling. So nothing much is left. And they couldn’t get insurance on the trailer, so all is lost. I have another friend with a brick home that lost everything on first floor of their 2 story home. They are going together to see what is left.
We stay at a place on Sanibel next to Ding Darling Nature Reserve -- which is full of alligators. My husband & I were wondering where they are now?!?! I heard the insurance agencies are fleeing the scene. I can see why your friend is hysterical.
😢My heart and prayers go out the the islanders and people in the way of the hurricane Ian🌀. There will be so many sad stories. We can make plans, but God decides. 💔😇🙏🏼
Oh my, the heartbreak going on there must be excruciating. So sad! The quote you ended with has popped up several times in my life in the passed month. I think I'm supposed to be learning something... xoxo
Jan this is a magical story that just reminds us that often, it’s the little things that mean so much. Sometimes coincidences are more than that- they are precious reminders from the past. Thank you for one of those reminders.
Oh, yes -- I definitely believe in God Winks. I'm glad you liked the story. It certainly was a magical vacation.
Jan that was a beautiful story.💜
Thanks, Lynn! I've had so many God Winks there.
Love your story about family and Sanibel, Jan. It's obvious you've enjoyed it for many years and have wonderful memories. Sanibel will be restored to it's beauty and you and your daughters will be able to continue making memories again!
I'm glad you enjoyed the story, Carmen! I'm going to try to focus on those great memories instead of grieving.
Yes! Sanibel will return and you and your family will once again enjoy making those precious new memories.
Loved this Jan. It a beautiful story. I’ve been to Florida but only to Ormond beach. My aunt lived there. She commuted back and forth from Illinois to Florida. My mom would be here traveling buddy.
Thanks, Shari! I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I've had a lot of God Winks there.
I’m so sorry and sad for you, Jan. I hope one day it will be a beautiful place to return to.
Yes, I hope so too!
I’m so very sorry to hear of the devastation. I know Floridians are strong and they will rebuild. But the pain is quite sharp! I am praying for all! I am thankful however that you have those beautiful memories!
Thanks, Tricia! How things can change in the blink of an eye. This is a big reminder of that!
My sister Nanette and her husband Joe lived there early in their relationship and we always love this island for many of your reasons. The news about the bridge and such devastating photos breaks my heart.
Vicki -- I think I remember your sister managed or owned a restaurant there, correct? With the Island Cow burning down earlier this month & now this hurricane I wonder if Sanibel can ever come back. A couple years ago the woman we rented from down there sold her place -- in fear of losing all her assets in a hurricane. We were so disappointed, but she definitely made the right decision.
Nanette worked at Arnie’s Deli, always busy. I only went to Sanibel a few priceless times and it was beautiful 🤩
Hello, everyone! I don't know if you will get this comment or not, but wanted to share this video someone sent me. The Seaside Inn in this clip is the place I wrote about in this blog entry. Watch to the end to get the full effect. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=811648060261610
Jan~ I love the God Winks in your beautiful story. You know they were sent by your sweet mother and God. Sanibel will build itself back to the gem it once was....we must have faith!💝