TALES FROM THE BOBBI LAMA

Who knew the wind and rain of a massive hurricane could move a massive island on a lake! Let me explain this phenomenal vision. There was an island in the center of the lake behind my home. It was called a rookery for nesting birds. Every February the woodstorks would come and make their nests there. And then for the following months, we were able to see through our binoculars the baby birdlings being fed by the parents in those nests. Then all the woodstorks would leave around June. The remainder of the year, other birds covered that massive island flying in every sunset, and took off every sunrise. It looked like a snow-capped island every evening.

Well, things have changed. I came home from evacuating from Hurricane Milton and saw something surreal. The wind had blown the entire bird island in tact from the center of the lake up to and somewhat into my (and my neighbor’s) back yard..smashed against and over our fence and bulkhead. And now, instead of a lake, all you can see is extensive vegetation as far as you look. Milton moved an island! Who knew that could even happen?

My first reaction was sadness over the loss of the view I thought was forever. After all, my late husband and I bought our home thinking that would be permanent. And now, I’m hearing terribly sad stories of others who suffered terrible losses and destruction from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. My changed view seems minor in comparison, so I’m counting my blessings for all I still do have. In the end, I believe there is a lesson in everything that happens to us…both good and bad. And this time I am reminded… that change will happen. Change is inevitable. They are the cards dealt to us, and we are only as strong as how well we process them, accept them, and move on. So I have a new view, and we’ll see if the birds come back. They will need to deal with this change, too.