We got back to Louisiana the Thursday after Gustav hit, and still no electricity. We had bought a generator and lots of gas before we left Mississippi, so at least we were prepared. Although we all appreciated everything Uncle Nay had done, we were happy to be home.
Oakley and Itchy tore through the backyard like wild animals and as Jared walked into the house with Grace… she couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. Mommy and Daddy were also smiling, since the only damage to our house was some missing siding, and lucky for us it landed right in our backyard.
After we unloaded everything from the car and got the generator going, Camp Fay ensued.
It was HOT! But at least we had a generator, and everyone was okay. Our little family tried to stay in good spirits, but then came Friday night. I was standing on the front porch trying to soak up some breeze when I saw the light. It was a street light not so far off in the distance. Even though it wasn’t my streetlight, it seemed to be in my neighborhood. No it can’t be! Why would they have electricity and we wouldn’t? It’s a mirage! That’s it. The heat is getting to me and I’m going crazy. So I went back inside and didn’t say a word. I really thought I was seeing things. A few minutes later Jared was standing at the window, when he turned to me and said, “Is that a street light?” This is great! I’m not crazy. Or maybe I’m just not the only one who’s crazy. I went back outside and ran into my neighbor. The streetlight was in fact on. But why weren’t our lights on? The entire neighborhood is on Entergy’s grid and we (the lonely, dark cul-de-sac) are on DEMCO’s grid. Super! It’s like standing outside alone on a cold and rainy night watching a happy family gathering with good food and smiling faces. We were so far past bitter. DEMCO assured us we’d be on that night or the next day. I know other families were getting power, but at least we didn’t have to look at them from our porch.
At around midnight the lights came on for about 15 seconds. Jared was the only one who saw them. He tells me he sat very excitedly, for almost an hour, staring at the fan waiting for them to come back for good. Then at 1:30am, they came on. Again for like 15 seconds. Saturday brought all new meltdowns for everyone.
The dogs were over it, Grace was hot and angry, and we were plotting our revenge on DEMCO. We all fell asleep, then the next thing I know Jared tapped me on the arm and said very quietly, “Look.” He was pointing to the fan. It was ON!!! The quiet hum of generators slowly began to fade and we set our thermostat as low as it would go. For all those people who are currently still without power, or who just got power this last week, our thoughts are with you!
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