My photographs are the items I would definitely take or guard in case of an emergency. But what else? This was the question I asked myself as a1 came toward us.
Unlike some friends and2 , we decided to stay in our home. We didn't have to choose what we would save by3 it into the car, but we still had to decide what required protection by storing it in our walk-in closet. Surprisingly, few items made the cut - an obvious4 that we had surrounded ourselves with beautiful yet unessential items. We needed5 for the truly important things: ourselves.
Because when you hear the roar of the winds, or when something6 hard against your windows, you don't think of photos. You don't worry about your big screen TV, or those paintings you've covered with towels to protect them, or that7 car that you still haven't finished paying for.
As8 goes on outside, this is what you think: My children, are they OK? Are their impact-resistant (耐冲击的) windows working9 ? Are their roofs keeping out the damage? My grandchildren, are they crying out in fear? Are they10 as their own grandparents are? My relatives — yes, even those I try to avoid — have they11 the worst of it? My friends, will they be forced to move somewhere else permanently? You don't think about what you own but about what you love; what money can't buy back.
Months and years after the hurricane, I often told people that there are two parts to12 this kind of catastrophe: the horror of the hurricane itself and then the rebuilding that follows. The13 together of a life, however, will take months, perhaps years.
But we will do it,14 and as a community. Of that I have no doubt. In fact, I'll make one more prediction. Piece by piece, item by item, we will once again collect the material possessions that decorate a home. I hate to admit this, but lessons learned15 fear aren't always long-lasting.
