Do you remember what you were doing when Hurricane Ian made landfall? Every time an event, tragedy, or moment in time is that big, it becomes a reference point, a place in the collective human experience that we all remember as something that happened to everyone, all at once. These moments are usually both humbling and unifying. Hurricane Ian was a large and devastating category-four hurricane that moved through the Caribbean and the southeastern portion of the United States, damaging parts of Cuba, Florida, and South Carolina. Of the 2022 season, it was the ninth named storm, the fourth hurricane and the second major hurricane.
At our communities, the hurricane, caused some minor flooding, cut the power, the internet, and the phone, at times for as long as a few days. The damage sustained was for the most part minimal and for that reason, we count ourselves among the lucky. We have all seen the photos and the videos across the news and on the internet, the storm did not visit everyone as minimally as it visited our communities. We are keeping those most affected by the storm in our hearts and in our prayers. But where there is tragedy, there are the people who must face the tragedy. After all the storms did, we must take account for what we as a community did to keep our residents safe and sound.
Let’s start with the family and friends of our residents. You trusted us with the care and safety of your loved ones, and for that trust we are grateful. It takes a lot to have faith in these kinds of conditions. You all were steadied and poised, and the strength and patience you displayed, gave us extra hands in our efforts to keep everyone safe. Thank you.
To our seniors the resilience, bravery, and community that you displayed, cannot go unmentioned. While we were doing our best to keep you safe, you did your best to keep us inspired. We all saw the storm coming and while being charged with your care, we couldn’t help but worry, but in watching the way our residents lifted each other and lifted their spirits and made the best of what they had, our faith was rejuvenated. Many seniors hosted parties, movie nights, and bingo games, together you all showed us that even in a storm we remain a community, and that we are strongest when we stay together. We know the cliché of making lemonade out of lemons, but life gave you a storm and out of it you all made joy, memories, and beautiful moments. Thank you.
To our careful team members, this week you proved that in your case, a job description is the foundation of the commitment you made to this work, not the ceiling. Together we watched our team members reach above and beyond, then move far past it to meet the needs of our residents and make good on the faith that their families have in us to keep them safe. Our team members gave more than we ever thought possible, working around the clock to ensure the safety and the well-being of our residents. Thank you.
Nature is wild and unpredictable, and in some cases devastating, we have always known that, but this experience has taught us that the strength and resilience of people is just as unpredictable and even more powerful. Collectively we became a great force that met the devastation with care, courage, and unimaginable strength.
