After the Storm - Hurricane Ike

Hurricane Ike came through Houston during the night hours of September 12, 2008 on into the morning hours of September 13. Here's how close the storm the storm damage came to our house. This pine tree trunk snapped about 40 up and fell toward our house... missing by this much from coming in our living room or bedroom!

This oak uprooted and fell toward the corner of the house... wedging on another pine and only touching on the roof and bending our gutter.

This oak snapped off about 30 feet high and fell toward our house... missing and hitting our side fence.

This type of debris and limbs covered our entire yard, the streets and neighborhood.

We gave thanks for how God protected us and our home. We it was light enought to see this damage for the first time... Diann burst into tears... I just said, "thank you Lord."

Even though the mess was extensive, we were so blessed by getting out and working with our neighbors... helping each other cut trees and haul limbs... we grew closer friendships and we encouraged by every one's positive spirit.

Would I stay through the next storm? Probably not... this was my first and hopefully my last hurricane up close.