5 years ago today, Irma took out our beloved islands. So much has happened since.

A somber day - I spent quite a bit of time thinking about our friends in the BVI and on STJ who were so dramatically affected - losing homes, boats, businesses. Their resilience amazes me. 💕

We went in July 2018 and while the devastation was still in evidence, that isn't my main memory. Rather the positive attitude and resilience of the people was amazing. We talked to a cab driver who had lost his cab and also had a boat in his front yard. He was grateful to be alive and very much getting back to a normal life. There was a lady at Leverick whose house had been destroyed but yet she was living in a tent on the slab and positive about how things were better. On Virgin Gorda we passed a school building that was being rebuilt with the help of a group of young people from the states.

There were countless stories we encountered in our 10 day trip but I don't recall a single person bemoaning their fate. Their faith had pulled them through and they were looking to a better future. Of course Covid hit soon thereafter with its own devastating impact on their country but we saw the same positive attitude in our July 2021 trip.

Our sailboat De Life was in hurricane storage on St. Thomas.The insurance company declared her a total constructive loss after being knocked down, mast a pretzel, a six foot crack in her hull, and then drowned by Maria. This year a fellow on St. Thomas finished refitting her and she is back in the water again. More recovery, but there are still homes that were not rebuilt and businesses that will never be reopened. Many friends and their pets have PTSD and the passing of hurricane Earl was a triggering event. Our love to all affected!

Cheers, RickG

The stories and the resilience from the locals really hit me hard. No whoa is me that you would likely see here in the states. It does amaze me (not surprise me) that the private sector rebounded much quicker than the government run sector. I.e West End Ferry Dock.