I know my problems are small but . . last night was pretty stressful. Chad and however many guys are with him . . not even sure if it’s one or two or three . . were in central FL yesterday morning. Nicole told me Chad told her they ended up going to Jacksonville but later, were headed to Sunrise and she thought they were leaving to go to Sunrise about 5 p.m. I looked up the driving distance from Jacksonville to Sunrise and it looked to be about 5 hours without a hurricane and that’s probably in a car . . not in a big truck.
About 10 (central time) I decided to check the weather to see what it was like in Sunrise and that’s when I saw there had been a tornado there and the tornadoes were headed north so wherever Chad was, he was probably heading right into them. I had called Chad about 8:30, which was 9:30 FL time, and he didn’t answer but he wouldn’t answer when he was driving. I sent him a message and said “Please let me know you’re safe when you get a chance.” Then . . that’s when I saw about the tornado so I was halfway in a panic . . ok . . fully in a panic.
I have a friend who lives in south FL but I wasn’t sure exactly where so I sent her a message and she told me they were having tornadoes right then. I asked her how far she was from Sunrise and she told me and said there had been two tornadoes in that area.
Anyway, when I was just totally about to fall apart, Chad called. It was a terrible connection and I couldn’t understand most of what he was saying but at least I knew he was safe. He hadn’t made it to Sunrise but he told Nicole the weather was so bad they stopped somewhere else and got a hotel. He sent her a picture and there were tons of utility trucks there at the hotel so I feel like he was safe there . . at least at 10:30 p.m. last night.
I’m going to try to not think about where he is or what’s going on today . . but you know I’ll be thinking about it all day.
To all you folks in Florida and those of you who have loved ones there, I’m so sorry for what they’re going through and I’m praying for all . . it’s hard enough being there but I think it’s equally as hard being the one who cares and who has no idea what’s happening where their loved ones are.
Debi says
No matter how old they are, you worry about them
judy.blog@gmail.com says
That is so true!
Diane Kummelman says
Please thank Chad for us. We are waiting for the storm in central FL . Our governor listed all the states that have provided trucks for us and it was so many I couldn’t count! We will need it. When it is safe to go out, we will be providing water and snacks for them. Know it isn’t much, but we are so grateful!
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Chad is in a group from Kansas so if you see a bucket truck with Kansas plates, wave . . it may be Chad. 🙂
Helen says
I totally understand your stress, Judy. I will have Chad in my prayers. God bless all those in this storm’s path.
Sara Fridley says
Those powerline crews are amazing! I have family in Jacksonville, and one live right along a river. Yesterday she packed up her cat and dog, and evacuated further inland due to the high chances of flooding. It’s sure scary and unpredictable when those hurricanes roll in.
Angie says
I can relate to you about your fear for Chad and his colleagues. The kind of work they is scary enough but with the horrible weather and it’s aftermath it would make us worry and scared for their safety. I will say an extra prayer for them and all those effected.
Mary says
Chad and his colleagues are in our prayers as well as all of those people who live in Florida. We are in North Carolina and are expecting heavy storms, but nothing like what Florida is getting. You are in our prayers as well because as a Mom we never stop worrying about our kids!
JustGail says
I salute those power line crews that head into areas before the crap has even hit. Same with all the other people in repair/support work that go in those areas to help out.
I also understand the frustration of people living in those damaged areas when repairs take longer than they want, but that’s no reason to take it out on those who are there working on repairs. We never know what’s going on behind the scenes that one area must wait, but another can get fixed. It’s never the fault of the feet on the ground crews though.
I hope Chad and the others stay safe down there.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Exactly, and I’m guilty of being grumpy after a week without power. I hope more people think like you do.
Kathleen says
One of my first thoughts when hearing about Ian, was Chad. It must be so hard for you and Nicole. Hoping all in Florida stay safe.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I should not watch the news or the weather when he’s out on storm work. The companies watch what’s going on and give them updates and directions but sometimes storms do things they weren’t supposed to do. I understand them wanting to get the crews as close as they can to the area where they’ll be working and, they’ve always been safe so I need to trust them.
Cindy F says
I have family in the Port Charlotte area and it looks like they will be close to the center of where Ian makes landfall. I have been watching way too much coverage of the hurricane so I understand the stress you’ve been feeling. I so appreciate the work that Chad and his colleagues do. I will be praying for them also during this time.
Dottie says
The next several days are going to be rough for all in Florida….Prayers for all.
Elizabeth Rodgers says
Remember living in Louisiana, it is always a challenge during hurricane season but the whole country comes to help. And we will help them when they need it.
Trudi Huffman says
All my thanks to Chad and Nicole! Sending lots of prayers to FL and Chad will be included. Thankful to the men like him and the wives like Nicole that also give up a lot because of the job.