When Hurricane Micheal slammed into our cities last October, he took more with him than just our trees, our businesses, our homes. He took pieces of us. Memories we’d planted long ago. The world outside has moved on. But we, we are still living in the aftermath.
Like the many cities destroyed before us by Andrew, Katrina, Florence, by fire, and flood, the rebuilding is slow. It will be years before our landscape looks anything like it did the day before the storm. So many are still suffering, homeless, frightened, weary. We’re doing our best, but there are days when even the most you can give is not enough.
And there are stories. So many stories. It has been my privilege to work with talented writers, poets, photographers, and artists in the first months following Michael to put together a book expressing what it’s been like to survive and then live in the aftermath of a Category 5 Hurricane. Entire towns were swept away in the violence. Entire communities joined together to offer aid and assistance where they could.
In the Eye of the Storm was released in January, 2019, just three months after the catastrophic storm destroyed our cities. All proceeds earned from book sales, both online and locally, have gone to the United Way of Northwest Florida’s Hurricane Michael Relief Fund. All money earned through this fund remains local to help those in need across the region. We are so very grateful to all who have supported our efforts and purchased a copy.
We are currently completing the sequel to our first publication, In the Aftermath of the Storm: Stories of Hope and Healing. Over the past ten months we have collected many beautiful stories, poetry, and images of survival and determination in the face of such daunting circumstances.
Like it’s predecessor, all money earned from sales will continue to assist local relief efforts through the UWNWFL. In the Aftermath of the Storm will be available online and again locally in October, 2019; the one year anniversary of the day that changed our lives, our cities, our region forever.
Jennifer N. Fenwick, author/editor, survivor
I love your poems in the book. The stories mirrored mine….. and still do. We are still broken but haven’t given up. We are still living in half our house…. but it’s still our home. Insurance being very very slow. We are both in or 70’s so we’ve learned patience over the years and it’s serving us well. Thank you for your beautiful books.
Thank you for your kind words, Cheryl. I’m so sorry you are struggling. But I’m encouraged by your positive attitude and faith. So many are fighting these same battles. It’s a shame, really. We pay our premiums in good faith. These insurance and mortgage companies need to put people first rather than the bottom line. May God continue to watch over and protect you. Thank you for your support of our work. I am grateful. ☀️