Sitting In The Dark

The power is out at Ft. Lepine.

On Sunday, a humongous tree fell from our neighbors yard.  It took out the power lines stretching across our yard, it ripped siding off the back of the house, it crushed both the fence that we share… AND the fence that my other neighbor and I share.  Yeah.  That’s how big this tree is.

Anyway, we’ve been without power all week, and it’s kinda been a pain in the butt.  Especially with my new job and all.  But hey, things could be a lot worse.  Look at pictures from Joplin and try and tell me otherwise.  I’m counting my blessings.

I was hanging out with some friends on Sunday night, just a few hours after the tree fell.  We were up at The Fountain watching the Bulls/Heat game and having a few beers.

The game ended, and we paid our tabs and walked out.  As we were saying our goodbyes, I meekly offered that the guys could come hang at our house, even though we didn’t have power or anything.  Surprisingly, they accepted, and we all headed that way.

Fast forward a few hours and you’d see five guys sitting around in our man cave, surrounded by kerosene lamps and candles.  You’d see five guys who had spent the past couple of hours without TV, without music, without distractions… just people.  Just conversation.  Just honesty.  Just depth.  It was amazing.

I’ve reflected on that night several times throughout the week.  I want to make nights like that happen on a more consistent basis.  I want to “unplug” and be fully alive and engaged when I’m with my friends.

And I encourage you to do the same!