Our air conditioner went on the blink Friday night. In a normal environment, that wouldn't be a catastrophic situation. After all, who even HAD air conditioning fifty or sixty years ago? But here, in Central Florida's summertime in the 21st century, cool air really is critical.
Although I must say, I consider myself a 'trooper.' During the hurricanes in 2004, the eye of the storms, Frances & Jeanne, hit a mere fourteen miles from our home on Florida's East Coast in the city of Port St. Lucie. An eerie and unusual situation unfolded. Two hurricanes hit in almost the exact same spot three weeks apart. (Five hurricanes hit the State of Florida that 'mean season'.)
On the fifth day without electricity, we finally high-tailed it ninety minutes North to Orlando, where electricity (and air conditioning) was in abundance. I don't think a room service dinner, hot and generous, ever tasted that good.
But the experience taught me a little bit about survival. Without a working electric stove, air conditioning, lights and television, even in ninety degree heat, I can toughen up and get through it. Not a permanent situation, and not the worst that can happen. After all, no one in my family was hurt (although many lost their lives) and our home was still intact. Many of our immediate neighbors did suffer some damage.
But I summoned up all of my reserve (whatever was left after the experience of hearing the 'train roar' in the early morning hours) and made it through. Those kind of Life-altering experiences give you a sort of armor that you can call upon in other circumstances. And I have! So last Saturday morning, David sent me out to play golf with my girlfriends. He found an electrician to repair the power cable that had blown outside of the unit and paid the exhorbitant Saturday fee without much grumbling. Here's to all those strength- and faith-testing situations that make us stronger and appreciative of all things - including air conditioning! More pictures of our Hurricane Francis experience here.
