Reflection After Hurricane Milton

As we begin our recovery efforts in Central Florida, I want to reflect on a few things I often take for granted as an American citizen—things I’m sure many people in modern, developed countries do as well. Many of these conveniences are relatively new, historically speaking.

The list below is in no particular order, just things that came to mind as I thought about what was unavailable to me during Hurricane Milton and other past storm events.

Electricity

Though electricity was invented in the late 1800s, it didn’t become widely available until the mid-1920s. In fact, in 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, signed the Rural Electrification Act (REA) to help bring electricity to rural areas like mine. I’m grateful the REA still helps keep power supplied to rural communities.

As a contractor, I’ve spent countless hours working inside the power plants that generate modern electric power. Many employees work inside these generating stations, where power production begins, and then it is transmitted through high-voltage power lines and distributed into our communities and homes. A wide range of employees and contractors construct and maintain the power grid, allowing us to turn on lights, refrigerate food, and enjoy comfortable homes.

Running Water

This incredible convenience became more widely available in the late 1800s, and the development of electricity improved it further by enabling water to be pumped where needed. I remember visiting my family in South Alabama in the early 1980s who still used the "crick" (creek) for bathing, an outhouse for bathroom needs, and an old-fashioned well where we hoisted water in a bucket and dipped it with a ladle. For my sister, younger cousins, and me, it was fun to use the well and visit the old outhouse. But for those country folk, it was a necessary and often laborious daily routine.

Thankfully, we no longer have to brave the elements to bathe, use the bathroom, or collect water.

Well-Maintained Roads

During the storm, our roads were obstructed by fallen trees, flooding, and downed power lines. Our federal, state, and local governments do an amazing job maintaining our roads and designing them for safe travel. Engineers, planners, contractors, and maintenance teams keep our transportation system in excellent condition, enabling commerce and travel to continue smoothly.

Internet and Phone Service

We've become highly dependent on reliable internet and phone service for both business and personal connections. There is an innate desire to reach out to loved ones and friends during tragic events. After the hurricane's winds impacted communication towers, these services were down or unreliable. Yet, as with electricity, there are professionals—both white-collar and blue-collar—who work tirelessly to restore and maintain these vital services, going the extra mile after a storm.

Routine

In the days leading up to a hurricane, we prepare—tying things down, bringing items inside, and protecting our property as best we can. All our normal plans are interrupted by storm preparations. While awaiting the storm and sheltering in place, we miss scheduled meetings and special events with friends and family because it’s unsafe to travel, or we’ve evacuated to safer areas. After the storm, we are left to clean up, wait for stores to reopen, fuel to be replenished, and then try to return to our normal routines.

These are just a few things I often take for granted, but now I’m reflecting on how grateful I am to live in a modern society, and particularly in these United States of America. We may have our differences and challenges, but in the face of adversity, we come together to rebuild and support one another. I’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous effort people around me put into helping each other, showing genuine care and concern.

I also got to enjoy extra time with family and friends—time that wouldn’t have been available if not for the forced slowdown caused by the storm. Moments like these help us see what’s truly important in life.

As an added bonus, the Brogen Bunch welcomed our second grandchild, Aaron Vincent Shaw III, into our family on October 10, 2024, just as Hurricane Milton was exiting Florida. Out with Milton, and in with Baby Aaron!

I hope this reflection inspires you to be grateful for what you have and to think about the most important things in life. Drop things you are grateful for in the comments.

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