Having been born in this state, the lushness, greenery
and palpably humid summers are always comforting and familiar, yet momentarily
shocking from the dry, adobe-colored pallette that is so So-Cal. Although they are possible, earthquakes seem
an unlikely and almost exotic experience here.
Thunderstorms, hail and an occasional tornado can and do appear to
frighten and wreak havoc, but there is usually some warning-- flash of lightning, a clap of thunder or that
characteristic odd-green sky and electrified air that occurs right before a
funnel cloud arrives.
When I mention to my Michigander family that I got an extra
roll of paper towels or a case of water for emergencies, I get the same response. A smile and nod that confirms their opinion
that I am a nut. “Prepare for what?”
their faces all say. A fire? Flood?
Tornado? And, you have to be kidding, an earthquake? I might as well suggested that they prepare
for an erupting volcano.
It is not like disasters don’t happen here. Houses do burn in fires. Snow storms shut highways and strand people
in their cars. Severe storms do knock
out power, often for days, but I have yet to see any signs of
preparedness. OK, maybe it is m y family
and their either ignorance of the unexpected or their unfailing faith that
someone will come along and help them, but preparedness is just not on their
radars.
Or perhaps it is that old pioneer spirit, or that people
here are really nice. People in Michigan
manage to continue along just fine, despite the seeming lack of low fat food, and
lust for things sweet and fatty. Looked
at from that angle, I guess, the biggest disaster ready to befall many people
here is finding a close location of a cardiac medical center. I am not trying to be harsh or mean, but
physical fitness, at least at some level, IS a form of preparedness and a life
saving/extending measure.
For those of you not familiar with Michigan, or any of
those beautiful states surrounding the Great Lakes, I encourage you to go
there. It is beautiful and full of
really lovely and very friendly people.
Just be prepared – you will very likely get called “Hon,” and even a
light touch on the arm as they thank you for coming by.
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