This is the kind of thing you never think of til you or your family members are affected. For us, it’s Chad working for as support for the electric companies.
The hotel parking lot is filling up with bucket trucks and people arriving from far away places to help. Chad’s group left Kansas Sunday morning and arrived halfway across the country some time in the wee hours of this morning. Now they wait, hoping for the best but there to help if needed . . and depending on how much damage is done, they could be home next week or in three or four months. For Chad, he’ll definitely miss Addie’s birthday and possibly the first day of school.
When you see those folks out working, far from home and family, working very long hours to help those in need, be kind and say thank you. If you see Chad, hug him and tell him that’s from his mom . . but make sure it’s really Chad! (though a lot of those folks probably wouldn’t mind a hug except for that darned virus!).
Carolyn says
Having lived in the middle of the Texas Panhandle years ago we had some terrific ice storms and those lineman appreciate every thank you they hear or every slice of cake. I always said they work in all kinds of weather and conditions, many are far far away from home just like Chad. Yes, I will keep him in my prayers
Dottie says
We were living in the Mid Atlantic area for more than 30+ years. Had MANY power outages from storms coming up the east coast, as well as many blizzards, etc. (also causing outages).
I can’t begin to tell you how much we appreciated/thanked those workers for working in all kinds of weather to get the power back on.
We’d see the trucks (from multiple utility companies from all over the country) headed down the highways to “get ready” for the possible outages and just seeing them made us so appreciative know they were there, if needed.
Ava says
My sister and her husband (retired) do disaster relief with their church (denomination). They are working on tornado damage in South Texas this week. It’s mostly helping folks with home damage (no insurance) from storms. They enjoy being able to help others.
Sara Fridley says
We were very thankful for the electric crews that came from all over the country to help after a massive ice storm took down tens of thousands of power poles across South Dakota about 15 years ago. Those crews work long hard hours in nasty conditions to restore power.
Linda Garcia says
My son had just entered the line trade and that storm in South Dakota was one of the first he worked as a lineman. He has pictures of all the poles laying on their sides, snapped off at ground level like matchsticks. He says that was one of the coldest jobs he every worked on.
Beth says
The hubby and youngest son are lineman for Entergy ( Louisiana). Hubby has traveled far and wide during hurricane season and ice and snow season. It’s always. Ice to hear positive comments for those guys far away from home. They’ve both missed out on a lot of family things, but getting power back on triumphs the small sacrifices.
Ruth Greenwald says
The rain ended here about an hour ago, the winds have subsided, and it is getting lighter now. In my part of NJ, northern and 37 miles west of NYC, it wasn’t too bad. So we are greatly relieved. Of course it’s just the beginning of hurricane season, but we made it through the first one.
Marcie says
How is Chad involved? (which is awesome!) I appreciated out-of-state volunteers one year when we lived in Erie, PA and had a big winter storm. I think there were a lot of electrical workers to get the power back on.
Marsha says
I remember a few years ago traveling in Illinois we saw miles of electric trucks traveling to help. Thank Chad for his help
Nelle Coursey says
When I worked for the electric company we send guys all over he US to help out in emergencies. Because when we had them here in Texas they came to help us.
Liz says
I was in Ft Myers FL when my aunt passed away. The family came in for the funeral and then left. Then Hurricane Charley came to the Florida gulf coast. I continued staying, waiting for the power to return.
When the electric services guys came, they were from a different region and not used to the hot, humid weather. I had an ice chest, ice, cold water and lots of kitchen towels. When I offered the ice cold towels for their necks, they all looked at me as if I was crazy. But once they put the towels on their necks, they were so happy.
The transformer was repaired and I was happy, but not as happy as those guys.
So, if you see those guys helping to restore power, give them a help with water, ice, cold towels, whatever. They’ll love it!
Susan Nixon says
I’m grateful he arrived safely. I hope the storm takes a turn, so that damage is less, and he isn’t there for months!
AMy Makson says
A big thank you to Chad and all his fellow workers. I hope he is home sooner rather than later.
Twyla says
Chad’s job must give him a heartfelt feeling doing this type of work. So sorry he will miss Addie’s birthday. Now these guys are true heroes.
Carolyn says
Let me know if he’s in my area and I’ll run out and check on him!!! 🙂
Sandi B says
I’ve got a niece who’s husband is a lineman in Houston. I’m not sure where he is this week. Praying for Chad and all of those helping in these times. (I’m glad you’ll be able to “stand in the gap” for Addie’s milestones.