The storm had passed and the weather slowly started to improve. The wind gusts began to slow but they were still strong at times. The wind changed direction, hopefully for the last time as the storm moved further away. Katherine could only hope that it would keep moving, and spare her community any more damage.

As the sun came up, the community could assess the damage. Neighbors started to return, and there was a buzz in the air as generators were started to power homes again. This was a sound to which Katherine was getting accustomed.

After the events of the last weeks, Katherine felt mocked by the sunshine and blue sky that morning, as if nothing had happened the night before. She thought about recent events and how much her community needed to recover and rebuild.

Katherine and her community will work to recover from the trauma of two storms. They continue to help neighbors as they can and they will continue to support the community.

Katherine and her family waited for the power to be restored to fully assess the damage. Days went by with little hope. Katherine was able to talk with someone from the utility company who explained the extent of the damage the storm caused to the area.

Other issues arose, including freshwater flooding, forcing rescues from inland areas. First responders were called to multiple neighborhoods to save individuals and families from rising waters related to the rain. It was just more damage and destruction left in the wake of another storm, and more families struggling.

When power was finally restored, many people returned and continued to work on their homes, to assess damage, and to continue to rebuild. Signs appeared around the neighborhood to motivate everyone to keep going and try to keep spirits positive.

After recent events, it would be easy to give up, and walk away. It would be easy to retreat but many wanted to fight to rebuild and return to their homes.

Katherine and her family will repair the damage to their home. Her neighbors were working on repairs as well. As Katherine watched her neighborhood come alive with activity, she stopped to appreciate one special thing about the recovery phase. She appreciated how people came together to support each other.

Somehow differences disappeared as people came together in a cooperative and shared goal. They were working to develop a new normal.

Being happy for life isn’t about never having challenges or trauma. Challenges will happen, sometimes difficult ones. Being happy for life is more about managing things when they do happen. It’s about staying positive and hopeful. That is a choice.

It’s unrealistic to think that life would never have challenges. Life isn’t easy, and at times being happy is hard. Katherine will face the recent trauma, but stay hopeful. She will watch her community rise to the challenge, rebuild, and hopefully be stronger and better than before.

Also, don’t forget about self-care. Self-care is even more important when managing difficult situations and trauma. Take time to care for yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, and remember that it will not always be this stressful. Things will get better over time.

Traumatic events happen. At the end of the day, when things have been assessed and you can start making a recovery plan, take a moment to appreciate that you survived to rebuild. Take a moment to hug your loved ones and friends, and take time to take care of yourself. It’s all part of being happy, for life.