Emerging Courageous Newsletter
Volume 1, Issue 14 March 6, 2003
Marilyn Dixon Pfanstiel, Editor

  Ice Storm 2003 by Marilyn Dixon Pfanstiel

A catastrophic ice storm hit Kentucky Jan.15, 2003. Branches and wires were laden with

ice and broke under its weight pulling down power lines leaving much of Lexington/Fayette County without electricity and heat. The ice stayed on for five days with little break in the frigid weather no sun to melt the ice and darkness preventing rapid, safe repair work. Extra work crews and equipment from other states came to the rescue but it was still over a week before many had electricity returned to their dwellings.

  I was one of the fortunate ones with vent less gas logs in a fireplace, gas stove to cook by,

and a gas water heater. By closing off most of the house and leaving the living, dining room and kitchen areas open, the fireplace kept the temperature a comfortable 60 degrees during that time. I found an old kerosene lantern in the basement with a little kerosene still in it which I used in the kitchen to cook by. I found lots of candles of various shapes and sizes to bring light into my living area. I had a flashlight with weakened batteries to see to get from room to room. I located an old tranzister radio from college days and confiscated a battery out of a toy to keep abreast of the storm and activities cancelled in the community. Periodically I listened to how the city is rallying to bring back the electricity and heat to over 70,000 customers. Periodically people call in to the station to inform others of road conditions and where trees and branches and wires are blocking the roads. Wisely, the mayor immediately called a planning meeting including the affected utility companies, police and fire personnel to report periodically to the community the progress and kept updating the information on the radio regarding what part of town was affected.

  After scrounging around for some food, I would sit listening to the updated info. Because of the devastation, the progress was slow. I tried to read a while by the lantern and flashlight but that was too difficult at night. So, I sat in the candlelit room warmed somewhat by the fire reflecting on the situation. I appreciated what I did have: sufficient heat to warm the house to about 60, hot water to bath and wash by, word from the outside world from the radio and family and friends checking on me (my phone did work), adequate light to get around with. Sort of like camping out...with a few days of unscheduled vacation. But as the time wore on...as the seventh day began, it felt strange not "doing" much of anything (at least in the evenings). In the daytime,

I puttered around the house, doing various chores and activities. It was so gloomy, it was too dark to do much close work. So I would sit and listen, to the cracking of the ice and branches... watching the fireplace and candles flicker...just reflecting.

What am I supposed to be learning from this experience?
I go within...relaxing...listening...waiting...finding peace and calm...enjoying "being".
Marilyn Dixon Pfanstiel 2/18/2003 Lexington, Kentucky
[email protected]    www.emergingcourageous.com 

  ***From the Mailbag:

*I wanted to thank you for sharing Ruth's story with us. She is such a loving caring person, even though  she has all this pain. Hopefully her story will help others.
God bless you, angel hugs, Jan  [email protected]

  *Note: To each of the authors who have articles on my site, I ask them to pass the word along to their friends about  Emerging Courageous online Magazine.
Following is Tony DeLiso’s response:
“It's my opinion that you are sharing really nice work with the world Marilyn, so it is my pleasure.”
Tony DeLiso  [email protected]

  ***Featured Story in Emerging Courageous online Magazine this month
“Who Set’s the Rules?” by Ruth Gallant
http://www.geocities.com/emergingcourageous/stories/Feb2003/rules.htm

  ***Featured Poetry in Emerging Courageous online Magazine this month:
“The Pain Within” by Pamela Lawson
http://www.geocities.com/emergingcourageous/stories/Feb2003/rules.htm

  ***Site Recommended for an informative quest.  Check out www.guyfinley.com
You may desire to sign up for his beneficial newsletter as well.
Currently I am reading his book:
Seeker's Guide to Self-Freedom - Truths for Living by Guy Finley
Another one of his books I recommend is Letting Go. MDP

  ***Quote highlighted:

“My life is one long obstacle course, with me being the main obstacle.” Jack Parr

  ***ATTENTION WRITERS:

Submit your stories and poetry about life’s experiences and living courageously
to [email protected] to enlighten and inspire others on their Life’s Journey. Peace and God Bless, Marilyn Dixon Pfanstiel, Editor-in-chief
www.emergingcourageous.com

****