Dear Fellow SOS Writers, Editors, Submitters and reviewers; all the lurkers et al,
When we started this project to aid in the recovery of hurricane victims, little did I know that my area would be the next one ravaged by disaster. We are so very fortunate in South Florida that we had very few deaths, but even one is a horrendous loss to the loved ones left behind.
We pride ourselves in the toughest building codes in the nation and for once people are relieved rather than complaining about the extra costs. This alone contributed to the low number of deaths and injuries.
Still, we suffered a lot of damage and inconvenience. Trees were felled blocking access and egress to and from homes and businesses. Over 7 million people were without power for 4 – 6 days, up to 2 million will not get power back for another couple of weeks. Water lines were broken and most houses suffered different degrees of roof and other damage (I would have said ALL houses but I didn’t lose one roof shingle, heh).
Having a submission approved to be included in Stories of Strength was already such an honor because I felt so helpless at home during the chaos following Katrina that I feel even more proud that I have the opportunity now to pull double duty to help others in my community.
This was a career week for me; A resume builder. Unfortunately, the current company probably wants me to stay forever now. Unfortunate only because I like to share my knowledge and move to new adventures as often as I can.
Perhaps the latest events, plus my friends here at Absolutewrite will finally convince me to settle down, and just write about the fun I had instead of looking for more.
Just a quick note to thank you, on behalf of the unfortunate souls who will benefit locally and elsewhere as a result of all of this hard work.
Thank you my friends!
Mike Hawkins
When we started this project to aid in the recovery of hurricane victims, little did I know that my area would be the next one ravaged by disaster. We are so very fortunate in South Florida that we had very few deaths, but even one is a horrendous loss to the loved ones left behind.
We pride ourselves in the toughest building codes in the nation and for once people are relieved rather than complaining about the extra costs. This alone contributed to the low number of deaths and injuries.
Still, we suffered a lot of damage and inconvenience. Trees were felled blocking access and egress to and from homes and businesses. Over 7 million people were without power for 4 – 6 days, up to 2 million will not get power back for another couple of weeks. Water lines were broken and most houses suffered different degrees of roof and other damage (I would have said ALL houses but I didn’t lose one roof shingle, heh).
Having a submission approved to be included in Stories of Strength was already such an honor because I felt so helpless at home during the chaos following Katrina that I feel even more proud that I have the opportunity now to pull double duty to help others in my community.
This was a career week for me; A resume builder. Unfortunately, the current company probably wants me to stay forever now. Unfortunate only because I like to share my knowledge and move to new adventures as often as I can.
Perhaps the latest events, plus my friends here at Absolutewrite will finally convince me to settle down, and just write about the fun I had instead of looking for more.
Just a quick note to thank you, on behalf of the unfortunate souls who will benefit locally and elsewhere as a result of all of this hard work.
Thank you my friends!
Mike Hawkins
, then a 
always shines after the clouds have gone away. Stay strong. Your personality has always kept us intact, and that's commendable. Please let us know, let me know if there's anything I can do. Please.
you, Mike.