My first response to the tornado is a profound sense of gratitude. Despite the destruction of our homes and the serious damage to our buildings, the generosity of our clients and friends is moving and humbling. One couple came to our house with a generator and were ready to help cover the giant hole over our kitchen and living room. Several people have offered us beautiful homes to live in and others prepared food and brought tarps and ropes to keep out the rain. Our neighbors across the street opened their home to our family so that we had a place to live immediately after the storm.
I am grateful to our vendors, all of whom have been wonderful. Soloman from Purpose Painting bought several giant waterproof tarps and delivered them to our house, ready to climb onto the roof and attach them. He later came back with extra gas cans for the generator and cases of water. Adam from Vero Beach Roofing immediately came to our offices to do the temporary repairs necessary to prevent water damage in the likely event of more rain. Fortunately, we experienced no visible structural or water damage. Sadly though, all of our beautiful oaks and palms are gone. The building looks sad without them.
We are also grateful for Chad Hinkle from Hinkle Construction. He will be repairing the homes of at least two of us and wasted no time in getting started. New trusses for the roof are already on order. Likewise, Frank from Scott’s Tree Service had our massive oak trees cleared by Friday, which allowed the hard-working electricians from the power companies to erect new telephone poles and restore power to us and our neighbors.
Three cheers also for our local government. The loaders and dump trucks were clearing the street in front of our offices within two hours of the catastrophe. Systematically and with alacrity they began by restoring traffic lights, then the street lights on the bridges, followed by the main arteries. There may be no other state with the ability to respond as quickly and efficiently to natural disasters as Florida. They have earned our respect.
I have left out the names of all of the clients, I should say friends really, who have helped and offered to help us. We have privacy rules. No matter though, you know who you are, and our love and gratitude are yours.