October 2, 2026

I found these pictures from October 2 and 3rd 2024, and they made me smile and cry a little at the same time.

These are my littles. My friends’ kids. We had sleepovers at my house pretty often, and I absolutely loved it. They were such a big part of my life when I lived there.

Looking at these pictures now, I can remember exactly how normal everything felt.

Milton was out there in the Gulf, and the weather reports were getting more serious, but life was still happening.

I was still working. Still volunteering. Still doing all the normal things I did. And I had my littles with me.

I knew I was going to evacuate. That part was becoming pretty clear. I just didn't know when.

So I was starting to think through what I needed to do. What did I need to take? What did I need to secure? Where was I going to go?

I wasn't scared.

I knew how to prepare. Sarasota had never really taken a direct hit, so this still felt like something I would prepare for, get through, and come home from.

I had no idea that I wouldn't be coming home to the same place.

I had no idea that these pictures would become part of the story of the home I lost.

All that mattered was that I had my littles, we were safe.

Those days are one's I will cherish forever. Those babies mean the world to me and I am so thankful for the memories that we created!

Keep it Simple.

God Loves You. And so do I.