Celebrating Irma

“Ladies and gentleman, I would like to thank you all for coming today. Please take your seats, and we’ll get started.

I’d like to start off by mentioning that it was a hundred years ago today—today—that Hurricane Irma hit the great state of Florida. At the time, it was considered to be and still is the single most devastating natural disaster to hit the country, and that’s saying something, because it hadn’t even been two weeks when another hurricane—Harvey—hit Houston and flooded that city. Why yes, that’s right—they were basically twin disasters, but Irma was just a bit meaner and nastier, I suppose…

But I’ll tell you something else that people don’t remember: that fine lady sitting in that armchair, she was born the day Irma hit, hence her namesake. Yes, that’s right. September 10, 2017. It was a Saturday. People don’t realize that she shares her birthday with that awful storm and you know why? Because unlike that terrible disaster, this Irma was great. She was phenomenal. She easily and by far outsized any cat five storm to hit this country then and since with the awesomeness of her personality, and the magnitude of her contributions to humanity, on both a national and global scale.

And yet interestingly enough, she shared a lot of characteristics with Hurricane Irma. This Irma, our Irma, much like that ol’ hurricane, was a presence that would touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of people—and not just here, in our own great country, but around the world. And just like that hurricane—and heck, even old Harvey, we won’t leave him out of the mix—that brought out the best in folks after tragedy struck, our Irma, she brought people together. She lifted them up, and she pointed way. And people followed her example; when they came together to help one another, they would say that it was Irma who inspired them. When one disaster after another would engulf our nation, Irma was out on the forefront, looking for donations, organizing deliveries, managing crisis teams, all in an effort to help people help each other. And when---why yes! She sure did! She would do it all with nothing but love in her heart, a smile on her face, and a twinkle in her eye! She didn’t let anyone go without, but more importantly, she didn’t let anyone feel sorry. It was always her thought that this way God’s way, and in His way, we’d become even bigger and better than we ever thought possible.

It is because of her work in helping managing crisis that for this, her 100th birthday, we are gathered here today. I think that on this day of days, the biggest gift that we can give Ms. Irma is our appreciation and our gratitude…well, yes, of course, and some cake! We all know that she does love her chocolate cake, and we have a doozy for you, Ms. Irma…but in fact, we also have something else for you today as well.

We’re gonna have Ms. Irma come on up here—those men over there are going to give her a hand…come fellas, bring her on up here…be careful, now! She may be in a wheelchair, but I hear she can still run circles around even some of those young folks here! I tell you, folks, you can’t stop her…! Alright, Ms. Irma, it’s your birthday today, so we’re gonna have you do the honors…of course, I’d be delighted to help you…

And here we go, ladies and gentleman! We’ve cut the ribbon! The Irma Harvey International Relief Foundation is open! We dedicate this building to you, Ms. Irma to say thank you for all your tireless work over these many decades on behalf of relief organizations everywhere. Happy Birthday, Ms. Irma, and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.







Author's note: For everyone in the wake of Irma's path, including my own family, stay safe. We are thinking of you.