Mary Dell, from Grown and Flown, writes to her college child as Hurrican Sandy approaches:
Dear Son,
While I trust you will be absolutely fine in your college dorm room these next few days with Hurricane Sandy heading toward shore, I cannot help but worry. You may be 22 years old but my instinct to protect you and your sister will remain undiminished throughout my life. Today it is the calm before the storm and we are prepared here at home. Unlike every other storm, this is the first time you have not been with us when the forecast has turned grim. A large swath of the eastern part of the country is in harm’s way and that includes you, dear. So, just in case you have not already thought of these things, please humor me – you are good at it – and keep reading:
Today, take care of whatever might be impossible tomorrow if you lose power there. Here are a few basics: see if you can find the flashlight we sent you with freshman year, get some fresh batteries, fill up your car and try to park it away from trees, hit the cash machine, charge your phone and computer, pick up a case of water and some comfort food that doesn’t require cooking. Check on any friends whose housing situations might be more vulnerable than yours, as it is at times like this that we need to be there for each other.
