Beyond the Darkness: Finding Gratitude and Resilience During an Extended Power Outage

The gentle descent of snow last Thursday at our home was a picturesque scene, coating everything in a soft, white blanket. However, this serene beauty quickly transformed into something far more challenging as Friday brought an onslaught of freezing rain. By Saturday morning, every single branch, every power line, and every surface outside was encased in a thick, unforgiving layer of ice. The landscape, initially breathtaking, began to hint at the destructive power hidden beneath its icy sheen.

As I reflect on the photographs I captured that Saturday morning, I vividly recall thinking how stunning everything appeared under its crystal-like armor. The world seemed to sparkle, a momentary illusion of calm before the storm’s true impact. Yet, this fragile beauty was short-lived. The silence of the icy morning was soon punctuated by the ominous sounds of cracking and snapping as tree branches, heavy with ice, began to succumb to the immense pressure. And then, without warning, the world inside our home went dark. The power had gone out.

For those who follow my journey on Instagram, you’ll know that this wasn’t just a brief flicker. We found ourselves embarking on day four of an extended power outage. Frustratingly, we were among a mere handful of homes – specifically, only five residences – impacted by a single fallen branch that severed our power line. This meant that the vast majority of our neighbors continued to enjoy the comforts of electricity, a stark contrast to our situation.

The reality of being a small, isolated outage meant that the dedicated electrical crews, working tirelessly around the clock, would prioritize restoring power to larger, more widespread areas before they could address our specific predicament. While a part of me felt the urge to give in to frustration and despair, I made a conscious effort to shift my focus. I reminded myself of the countless individuals facing far more severe and indefinite challenges – losses of employment, critical health issues, or humanitarian crises that cast a long shadow over their lives. Our power outage, though inconvenient and uncomfortable, was temporary. The lights would eventually come back on. For many, life would not be restored to its previous state, a humbling and sobering thought.

So today, I invite you to join me in this moment of reflection. Instead of dwelling on the discomforts and complaints that could easily consume me, I want to share a few of the unexpected blessings and practical items that have truly made a difference. This experience has served as a powerful reminder of how much we take for granted and the profound gratitude that can emerge even in challenging circumstances.

**Update: We are incredibly happy to report that our power was restored Wednesday night while we were sleeping – a huge debt of gratitude goes out to those tireless electrical workers who had been working 24/7 for five challenging days! We are now enjoying all the benefits of electricity with a renewed sense of appreciation and wonder!**

When the Power is Out: My Unexpected Gratitude List

• A Reliable Wood Stove Insert: When we first purchased our home, I confess, I wasn’t fond of the aesthetic of the wood stove insert. Oh, how quickly priorities can shift! This robust fixture has proven to be an absolute lifeline during this power outage. Beyond providing essential warmth that transforms our cold house into a cozy haven, its glass front casts a gentle, flickering light throughout the dark evenings, adding an unexpected ambiance. But perhaps its most ingenious feature is the 10 inches that protrude from the fireplace. This surface has become our improvised stovetop, a hub of activity where we heat water for coffee and tea, warm milk, grill comforting cheese sandwiches, and even prepare the most delicious quesadillas imaginable. It’s a testament to simple, sustainable living and a constant source of comfort.
• My Trusty Cast Iron Skillet: Paired perfectly with our wood stove, this humble cast iron skillet has become our primary culinary tool. It’s been instrumental in nourishing us with those aforementioned sandwiches, quesadillas, and hearty cooked eggs. What’s truly remarkable is its efficiency; it conducts heat so rapidly that you have to be vigilant to avoid burning food. Seriously, it heats up in what feels like mere seconds! Its durability and even heating properties make it an indispensable item for off-grid cooking and a cherished piece of kitchen equipment.
• The Unwavering Support of Family and Friends: The kindness and generosity shown by our loved ones have been truly overwhelming, bringing tears to my eyes. Offers of hot showers, a place to charge our essential devices, a temporary workspace, and shared meals have been invaluable. Beyond the practical assistance, the emotional support and sense of community have been a powerful reminder that we are not alone. These connections are a true comfort during times of uncertainty, transforming inconvenience into an opportunity for human connection and solidarity.
• Versatile 5-Gallon Plastic Buckets: It’s amazing how a simple, inexpensive item can become so critical. These ubiquitous buckets have been our silent heroes, diligently catching melting snow and, more recently, rain. With our home relying on a well with an electric pump, the absence of power means no running water for flushing toilets. These collected buckets of water have been our ingenious solution, allowing us to maintain basic sanitation. Yes, I just wrote about toilet flushing – it’s a vivid illustration of how the “little things” become incredibly significant when basic amenities are removed. They are also useful for general cleaning and other non-potable water needs.
• Reliable Insulated Ice Chests: On the second day of the outage, the fate of our perishable food became a major concern. We carefully transferred everything from our refrigerator and freezer into a large insulated cooler, generously packing it with fresh snow we had collected. To our amazement, even after several days, the snow inside has barely melted! This speaks volumes about the quality of the insulation and the incredible resourcefulness of using natural elements for food preservation. It provided immense relief knowing our food supplies were safe, extending our ability to prepare meals and minimize waste.
• Candles, Batteries, and Lanterns: While these might seem like obvious essentials – a “duh” moment, if you will – their importance cannot be overstated. The soft glow of candles provides a comforting ambiance and just enough light for simple tasks, while battery-powered lanterns offer brighter, more focused illumination for reading or navigating the house after dark. Stockpiling a variety of light sources and an ample supply of batteries is a fundamental aspect of any emergency preparedness kit, ensuring safety and visibility when the grid goes down.
• My Indispensable iPhone & iPad: In an age where digital connection is paramount, these devices served as a crucial link to the outside world. My phone’s data connection allowed me to check essential emails, stay informed about local news, and communicate with family and friends. My iPad, with its ability to hold a charge for an extended period, became a portable library. Reading on it requires no external light, which became increasingly vital as our supply of candles dwindled. They provided not just practical utility but also a much-needed distraction and sense of connection during long, dark evenings.

But mostly? Beyond all the practical items and heartwarming support, I am profoundly thankful for ELECTRICITY itself. I am grateful that we live in a country where it is (mostly) consistently available, recognizing that countless places around the globe do not share this fundamental amenity. This experience has truly highlighted the invisible infrastructure that underpins our modern lives.

Right now, I’m pretty much in love with electricity (ha!) and I know for certain that I will appreciate its return immensely, approaching its presence with a newfound sense of gratitude and respect.

Beyond the Essentials: Unexpected Joys and Learnings

This multi-day power outage, while challenging, unexpectedly brought with it a series of profound lessons and simple joys. Stripped of our usual digital distractions and constant connectivity, our family found ourselves slowing down, engaging in conversations we might otherwise have missed, and rediscovering the simple pleasure of board games by candlelight. The quiet of the house, free from the hum of appliances, allowed for a deeper connection with each other and with our immediate surroundings. It was a forced deceleration, a reset that reminded us of the value of presence and intentional interaction.

Moreover, the situation ignited a remarkable sense of resourcefulness. Every task, from boiling water to preserving food, required thought and ingenuity. It was a practical application of problem-solving skills, teaching us to adapt and innovate with what we had available. This experience fostered a deeper understanding of sustainable living principles and a greater appreciation for the mechanisms that typically make our lives so effortless. It also underscored the vital importance of community bonds, as neighbors checked on each other, offered assistance, and shared resources, creating a stronger, more interconnected neighborhood.

Preparing for Tomorrow: Lessons from the Ice Storm

This extended power outage was a stark reminder that preparedness isn’t just for extreme survivalists; it’s a practical aspect of modern life. We learned valuable lessons that will undoubtedly shape our future emergency planning. An updated emergency kit is now a top priority, ensuring we have ample supplies of non-perishable food, potable water, first-aid essentials, and alternative power solutions like solar chargers for small devices. Beyond the immediate survival gear, we’ll focus on home preparedness: ensuring our wood stove is regularly maintained, having a ready supply of dry firewood, and exploring options for backup water heating.

Perhaps most importantly, this experience has reinforced the significance of mental resilience. Approaching such challenges with a positive mindset, a willingness to adapt, and a focus on gratitude can transform a potentially debilitating situation into an opportunity for growth and reflection. It teaches us to embrace simplicity, find joy in the basics, and recognize the inherent strength within ourselves and our communities.

What are you thankful for in your daily life, especially the things that often go unnoticed? And what lessons have you learned from unexpected challenges?