I've been glued to the news this morning, looking for any information about Hurricane Dolly. No, it's not a secret that I harbor an intense dislike for Texas, but it's not like I hold any ill will toward the people there. Having been through a couple of hurricanes and several tropical storms myself, both in Texas and Florida, I know full well that a hurricane can destroy homes, property, and in some cases lives.
Dolly has a special significance for me. My ex-wife and I spent our honeymoon on South Padre Island, and we spent a lot of time exploring Port Isabel, Brownsville, and Matamoros. None of these areas are particularly well-prepared for a hurricane, particularly Matomoros. Then again, preparing for a hurricane is something of an oxymoron. At some point, you just have to board up what you can, leave, and hope for the best.
I imagine the Houston area, being several hours to the northeast along the Gulf Coast, is probably OK. It looks like that area is due for a lot of rain and, hopefully, not much else. Hurrincanes make for great stand-up opportunities for reporters, but there's nothing comical or even remotely amusing about what a hurricane or a tropical storm can do to an area. While there's some amazing about being surrounded by the awesome force and power of a hurricane, it's certainly not a game. People die in these things, after all.s
So, to all y'all along the Texas Gulf Coast...I may not be a fan of living there, and I may no longer be there, but my thoughts are with those of you who do. Hang in there....
