My Mission {BBQ}

All I could think was “I am not dying in this hot ass bathroom.”

I was crammed into a tiny bathroom with five other managers of the restaurant where we work. The power was out, it was hot and dark.I was also having hot flashes. I had been at the restaurant cooking food since 6 a.m.

We knew this storm was going to be bad and we were preparing for the worst.We were told that Panama City Beach would take the brunt of the storm, so we were preparing to feed the First Responders on the beach, and those that came to help.Little did we know; they were way off course with the track and the category of this hurricane.

Two days earlier our company had sent us a portable smoker, a whole store generator and a water truck. They had experience with the needs of the community after a hurricane and they wanted us to be ready. That turned out to be a blessing for us and the community, as we were the only restaurant open for weeks.

Panama City’s 23rd street is full of restaurants and stores. Instead of cars and people we watched debris fly down the road.

I am originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and we get some pretty incredible storms there. I have always been fascinated by them and this one was no different.

My husband was a Sheriff’s deputy and had finished his 12-hour night shift a few hours earlier. He was at home with our teenage son and daughter. When we could get our test messages to go through, they were encouraging and supportive.“Are you guys doing ok?”“Yes, but it is getting bad.”

They didn’t tell me that they were watching tornadoes rip between houses and take down all the trees in our yard.

Before the storm we had twenty-two trees. We now have two.

The situation was intense waiting inside a restaurant for a Category 5 hurricane to pass.
Once it did, the sun came out.

We checked the other businesses on either side of the restaurant, we were the only business that didn’t have broken windows, blown in doors, A/C units missing or torn away, gas lines broken or the roof peeled away.

God protected us, because we were the only ding-dongs to be at work that day. We went to work boxing up food. My teenagers came to the restaurant to help.Within days we were a hub for free, hot food.

Food is normally a primary need but after you have lived through this devastation food becomes secondary.We kept people fed so they could continue to do the very important work they had ahead of them My company will regularly ask, “What is your why? Why do you work here?”

Before the hurricane it was because my husband was a law enforcement officer and I was able to give back to those uniform.

After the storm my “Why” became an immense satisfaction in being able to provide. The look on people’s faces when you could provide something that they couldn’t have was a good feeling. My family stayed safe during the hurricane, despite the tornadoes.

Our house, unfortunately, fell victim to a large fallen tree. Before the storm the cost to remove a tree that size would have been $250. After the storm the grand total was $3500. When I asked if they could clear a few more branches blocking our drive way they said it was going to cost extra.

I politely declined. We had been swindled enough.Tragedy brings out the best and worst in people. We were grateful for our friends and family in Birmingham, Alabama. They loaded up a trailer with supplies, water, snacks and gasoline and drove them down to us. I am not sure I can express the blessings they were to us.

After much discussion and prayer, we have decided to leave Panama City. We have enjoyed Panama City but we were feeling called to go elsewhere. North Carolina will be our new home.