Help us turn a bad day into a story of all the good. Many of you know that the impact of Hurricane Ian hits very close to home. My sister (Kelly), brother in law (Jeff), nieces (Sammy & Brooklyn) and parents (Ron & Kathy) among others from my extended family have all made Fort Myers their permanent home over the years. Both my parents house and sisters house experienced the wrath of Hurricane Ian head on, but luckily they had evacuated to Jeff’s parents house who live at a higher elevation and further inland. The surge came up to 5ft through their homes, completely ruining almost everything it came in contact with. It goes like this: in a moment everything they knew as normal and routine was turned upside down. Ryan and I flew into Tampa after the hurricane hit and drove down to Fort Myers to get to work with the family - helping to clear out everything in their houses. The crazy part is you go there knowing what the sights would be because of all the media coverage, but it’s amplified by the sounds and smells that we will never forget. The hero’s are our first responders, police, fire, national guard, military women and men who are the front lines for days and weeks in these types of disasters. Thank you simply just doesn’t feel big enough for what they endure and the calm they bring to chaos. With Jeff being a first responder he had left the family Tuesday to ride the storm out with his fire team, and did not return home to my sister and nieces until the following Tuesday. Hero. My parents lost about 90% of what they own, and my sister lost just about everything on her first floor. Driving through their neighborhood you basically see everyone’s livelihood lining the front yards like a water logged furniture store mixed with years of drenched memories that had to be tossed. Salt water in combo with sand, dirt, sewage and who knows what else makes for an interesting smell when it sinks in and sits dormant. Thank you to all who reached out - an event like this sure does showcase all the good there is in the world. I know so many of you who know me or my family have asked how you can help. After spending a few days the week after the storm there I can tell you first hand that the folks who experienced this event, coupled with the life changing impacts that followed, need a lot of prayers and would love your support. I’ve started this angelink for my Parent’s and Kelly & Jeff to help with this rebuild process. We have decided that if any funds are remaining after insurance settles out then we will use them to bless other people who are in need from similar circumstances. As my Mom’s favorite quote goes “Always be Humble and Kind”. Thank you for your continued prayers and acts of kindness! Blessed to be a blessing