Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, Tom and I have much for which to be grateful.  

We’re thankful that so many of our family members and friends survived Hurricane Dorian. Given the harrowing tales of survival we’ve heard, it’s a miracle that so many made it through.

We are thankful for the many foreign and domestic relief agencies and NGOs and the thousands of individuals who’ve contributed time and resources toward helping northern Bahamians recover from Dorian’s devastation.

Please, please don’t stop giving. Abaconians and Grand Bahamians will need your support for a long time to come.  

We’re thankful for the strength of my Abaconian ancestors, a hardy bunch who survived natural disasters, disease, drought and poverty.

For years, we’ve read about the resilience of our forefathers, and today, we’re witnessing it firsthand as their descendants work tirelessly to rebuild their homes, businesses and communities. To our Abaco relatives and friends, thank you for your bravery, persistence and unity. Your ancestors would be proud.     

We’re thankful for Abaco’s second homeowners and foreign business owners. Though many have suffered losses of their own, they’re volunteering in relief kitchens and clinics, lending their boats and planes to transport people and supplies, contributing generously to relief programs, and rallying contacts back at home to support their friends in the Bahamas.

To all our second homeowners and foreign business owners, thank you! Your kindness and loyalty will not be forgotten. 

Tom and I are thankful that Fish Hooks remains standing. Until we saw the damage up close last month, we hadn’t realized just how close we came to losing it. Had Dorian’s winds been any stronger or lasted any longer, we’re certain that Fish Hooks would not be standing today. For Pa Herman and Ma May and the little house they built from hurricane debris, we are thankful.

Finally, we are thankful for you, the readers of this blog. Thank you for your kind messages and good wishes, and for your interest in — and generous support of — our Bahamian family and friends. Thank you for allowing me to share your photos and videos so we can get the word out about how great the need is in the northern Bahamas.   

Happy Thanksgiving to all from Tom and me. We wish you the very best for the holiday season ahead.