LETTER FROM MATT WEBER

FROM MATT WEBER

It’s a shame that calamity and devastation can put life into perspective more than

anything else. This thought occurred to me while reading news coverage of Hurricane Ian. I’m writing this “editor’s letter” right after the monster storm ravaged across Florida, then swept into the Atlantic Ocean, and is now heading straight for South Carolina with “hurricane

MY HOUSE NEEDS TO BE PAINTED, BUT AT LEAST IT ISN’T FLOATING IN PIECES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

conditions” and a “life-threatening storm surge” expected.

Ian brought record-breaking storm surge highs for Key West, Fort Myers, and Naples several feet above previous high-water marks, causing catastrophic flooding as it crossed over eastcentral Florida. The shocking images and story coverage will make your heart sink, with so many homes consumed by floods or washed into the bays. Damage is still being assessed, and the death toll is climbing, but there’s no doubt that it will take billions of dollars and years for Florida to rebuild.

When you see such hardship befall others, it tends to put minor personal matters in a different light. When your neighbor’s roof blows away, suddenly that squeak in your floorboards doesn’t seem as annoying. My house needs to

be painted, but at least it isn’t floating in pieces in the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, I live in Alabama and postponed a trip down south to visit my parents due to the risk of this very storm. It was only because of finicky weather patterns and dumb luck that it didn’t nudge westward and hammer their place near the Alabama coast.

A near-miss that spares you and hits someone else can make you feel sorry for them and count your blessings. You can act on those feelings by contributing to the forthcoming rebuilding efforts via a reputable charity. Right now, my big-hearted mom is packing up to travel with her team of American Red Cross volunteers to aid in Florida’s relief efforts. That’s a great place to send donations to help the cause; visit https://www.redcross.org.

And keep the storm victims in mind as you slog through some of the more mundane or aggravating chores around your house this fall. Compared to some, you’ve got it really good.

PUBLISHER JEREMY HOLLINGSWORTH jeremy@HIRpub.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MATT WEBER matt@HIRpub.com ADVISORY BOARD JIM BUTTERS RANDY STEPHENSEN DUSTIN SCHWAIGER RICHARD HAMILTON EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTERS CARTER SWIFT TOM MATTHEWS

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR WESLEY GLASSCO wesley@HIRpub.com ONLINE/SOCIAL MEDIA DEVELOPMENT GLORIA BERRIO

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