Sorry, this is epic.... I guess I'm just venting. I hope I'm not boring you. Maybe it makes for interesting reading as to how people react to an impending natural disaster.
I've just literally spoken with Grandma and she is definately staying put. She's had two offers from friends to evacuate to their house but she is determined that she's not going anywhere. She's had a phonecall from "some woman" on Monday who told her to evacuate, but she got cranky by her "scare-mongering".
Grandma lives in Proserpine, so not in the total eye of the cyclone, but still very much in the warning area. Proserpine is slightly inland, so she should be protected from any storm surge.
When on the phone with her, I got the mobile phone numbers and landline numbers of two of her friends (the ones who offered their homes), so that I can contact them after the cyclone. They are younger, so are good people to know who are "on the ground" so to speak. She has also told them that her Granddaughter will probably call them to check on her, so they know my name and that I exist.
I have been trying to boss her on this phone this morning (we've spoken twice) and say "Have your medications packed and ready to go" "You go and put your phone on charge now young lady" "Have your phone book with you" and "You go and put them all in your hall". She's told me that's where she'll go if it gets "bad". Yes, she has said she's going to bed tonight as usual and will only go in the hall if it gets "bad". <sigh>
I've also told her that I think she should be realistic and expect some damage to her home and be prepared for that. I said she should expect her awning outside will be blown off and quite possibly her mesh greenhouse destroyed (because that's what happened last year with Cyclone Ului). If it doesn't, it will be a big bonus.
I've also offered that my husband can fly up there to help her after the cyclone if she needs any heavy duty work done around her house for the clean up.
My Uncle, Aunty and cousins live north of Townsville and we have not heard anything about them. Grandma is concerned because she thinks their houses may possibly be in a lower area, but can't be certain. As she says "they are big enough to look after themselves", so I'm sure that they will go if they are told to go. How their houses will hold up though.........
I think at this point I've tried to do everything I can given the position I'm in. Ultimately I realise that I have to respect my Grandma's wishes. And in a way, I'm quite proud thinking that she must be the gutsiest person I know. 87, living alone and determined to stick it out at home. It is not the decision that I would make in the same situation, but I do respect her right to determine what she considers best for her.
I'm certainly not religious, but I really will be praying for *all* people up north. Please, please, please let them stay safe.
