February has been a bitch so far.
A series of four named storms blasted one after the other into Portugal, starting with record-breaking Kristin at the tail-end of January and ending with Nils after the first week of February. They caused more than €4 billion in damage throughout Portugal’s Silver Coast and Central regions, and the government declared a state of emergency through February 15.
Scientists have called this the “longest train of storms within living memory.”
Source: The Guardian
Winds of up to 202kmh (Category 3 hurricane force) and historic flooding killed 18 people, including an elderly couple — missing for eight days — found dead two days ago in their submerged car. According to various television and online news media, the storms and resulting landslides cut power to nearly one million households, displaced thousands of people, and destroyed roads and highways throughout the area. Nine thousand households remain without power as of this week.
Source: Facebook
Source: EuroNews
Amid the destruction of these storms, it feels wrong to be happy and relieved for one’s own good fortune. It feels wrong, self-indulgent, to celebrate special occasions or personal events. Can one feel bad for and assist those who are suffering from loss, and also feel joy for one’s happy life?
But what if a friend’s happy life is shockingly shattered? An American friend living in Portugal lost her husband recently when he died suddenly at their home here. I doubt it is possible for anyone to hear the story of how this unimaginable loss unfolded and not be moved to tears by the gut-wrenching grief, unfairness, and fucking randomness of it all. I can’t even imagine going through this heartbreak, much less while also having to navigate the bureaucracy of a foreign country.
How can one, in good conscience, allow oneself to feel joy while others are suffering unthinkable tragedy?
I’ll tell you, it just doesn’t feel right. I did celebrate my 66th birthday and Valentine’s Day. I did celebrate my good fortune with immense gratitude. But I won’t celebrate here in this space. Not yet. I won’t post the draft with funny stories, memes, and photos. Laughter is my best medicine, yes, and humor is my go-to coping tool. But not with all this. Not now. February has been a bitch.
Source: THG
THG will be traveling in Australia and New Zealand, and this is the last post until the end of March. Thank you for reading ❤️. May your weekend find you grateful for all you have wherever you are.
The Hot Goddess 
Take care of yourself.
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Thanks for caring Natalie. I feel similarly about the disasters of Trump hitting us over and over. Enjoy your trip.
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It’s all devastating; sending care and strength, Natalie! 🫂 And wishing you safe travels. May you find beauty in unexpected places! 💜
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“Can one feel bad for and assist those who are suffering from loss, and also feel joy for one’s happy life?” You ask such a great question. And for my money, the answer is yes. Life is too hard. You have to celebrate the small wins along the way. Yes, you reach out and try to help others. You commiserate and listen and be there for them, but birthdays and special occasions are meant to be celebrated too. It goes both ways. My two cents. Hope you had a wonderful birthday Natalie!😎😎
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It’s definitely been a horrible month for Portugal. Stay safe, and I hope you at least had a good birthday. I know it’s hard to celebrate under those circumstances.
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Your post reminds me of the line from Maya Angelou, “The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.” Sending (subdued) birthday wishes and great gratitude for how you hold space for others!
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Oh Natalie, what a conundrum and I feel for you and this sad experience of destruction. Sending Birthday wishes to you belated so you know you are cared for and loved. My son is there now and of course as a fierce mom I’m glad he wasn’t there then. Hoping for a year of rebuilding and love. 😘
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Whew, that’s a lot of damage in a short space of time. Please enjoy your travels. Feeling guilt will do no good for anyone, it’s not a productive emotion to spiral into. Just enjoy!
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I am sorry to hear about your friend, my husband died here in Portugal last Febuary, and if it was not for 3 women orginally from Brazil, I wouldn’t have know what to do or how to cope. It was heartbreaking plus so hard navigating and filing the required information. I don’t know her but I am sending her energy through you.
Please share your adventures of Australia, I got a visia to go and have until October before it expires but I would like to hear about it before I decide to go.
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