A love letter from the path of Hurricane Michael to those crying out after Hurricane Ian | Column

Ali Wiggins
·3 min read
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Dearest Hurricane Ian survivor,

Although we don’t know each other, I bet we aren’t that different. I survived a bad hurricane. A Cat 5.

I want you to know that you are going to be OK. May not seem like it, but you will. When any sort of disaster happens, the days literally become numbered and we do away with words like Monday. Day 15 was life-changing for me in 2018. Day 12 today for you.

I was so depressed. Please don’t white-knuckle how you feel. You can only hang on for so long. Talk to someone. Please.

The most monster storm starts out as a tropical depression. And depression is what these storms bring. Hurricanes take a toll on everyone, even the strongest. Please talk to someone.

It’s been years since our world in North Florida and Jackson County was leveled by Hurricane Michael.

But oh, the friendships that have come from our numbered days.

It’s the people that make your town, not the buildings. It’s the people you’re about to meet. It’s what you are going to learn about yourself that will give you the power. There is power in making friends with those that have similar circumstances. There is power in gathering a group. There is power in helping others. And there is power in survival.

INTERACTIVE TOUR: Follow Hurricane Michael's arc of ruin that laid waste to our communities

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My friend Todd’s son is alongside several other Okaloosa County firefighters that make up Strike Team 1101 and they are in your community to help you, along with so many others. He was born and raised in what we fondly call JACO. Just saw him in a picture with Casey DeSantis and the rest of the team. His daddy would be so proud. I know I am.

Jackson County deputies rolled out and headed your way last Thursday morning. Lights and sirens.

Hurricane Michael reduced the Jackson County Road Department building to rubble.
Hurricane Michael reduced the Jackson County Road Department building to rubble.

We know what you are going through. Those men and women volunteered. They left their families and homes to come help you with yours. They didn’t think twice about it. Why? Because they once needed someone to do the same for them.

Thank them. I wish I had thanked more of those that came to help us.

Know that while the lights may be out, the power is in you. Don’t you dare give up.

Day 13 will be better and so will the ones after that. You and your friends will rebuild your town. You’ll even have some new friends to help you do just that.

Down the road a bit, you may feel a little forgotten. But I hope you know that you are loved.

The folks in the Panhandle of Florida won’t forget you. We aren’t much different. Well… except, we call it Monday here again.

Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you. Stay strong. Take care of yourself. Love each other.

It really is going to be OK. Swear! Swear!

Much love,

A Hurricane Michael survivor from JACO.

Ali Wiggins
Ali Wiggins

Ali Wiggins is a Hurricane Michael survivor, who lived in Jackson County Florida. She is recently retired from the long-term care pharmacy industry after 35 years of service. 

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Hurricane Michael survivor reaches out to those crying out after Ian