by Jayne Bonilla

Created on: August 28, 2008

THE NIGHT WE DANCED UP A STORM
"I'm not scared, I'm prepared" is the message in THE NIGHT WE DANCED UP A STORM. It's a story of a family working together in harmony as they prepare for a forecasted Hurricane. Allowing children to be a part of the mandatory preparation gives them a sense of control, a feeling of contribution and a dose of much needed security in the throes of uncertainty.

Having lived through a major hurricane and learning from the experience, THE NIGHT WE DANCED UP A STORM shares the knowledge and lessons learned through a story about preparation, teamwork, community and family. This whimsical, light hearted and rhythmic story will have you dancing up a storm as it reminds the reader that "Hurricane season begins on June First. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Stock up in advance and you will be fine. No need to get stuck in a long, curvy line."

THE NIGHT WE DANCED UP A STORM will have an attached and perforated hurricane survival checklist that families can use as they prepare for the storm together.

The radio blasted Mom's favorite song.
We all felt like dancing, at least all night long.
We danced to the 50's, as Mom would insist.
She sang "Come on Baby, Let's Do the Twist"
Dad tried to disco in 70's style.
"Don't quit your day job" we said with a smile.
Then Grammy and Poppy ~ they danced jitterbug.
We moved back the sofa's and cleared off the rug.
My brothers' pulled out their electric guitars,
And we rocked and we rolled as if we were all stars.
We cha-cha'd and tango'd and danced to the slide,
Two-stepped to country and hip-hopped with pride.
Salsa'd and shimmied, conga'd "OLAY"
Boogied, got funky, got carried away.
Then the music stopped playing before the tune finished.
Our happy and festive mood had diminished.
The newscaster's voice interrupted the fun.
"A HURRICANE WATCH" had officially begun.
We knew not to panic, for we were prepared.
And when you're prepared there's no need to be scared.
Collected supplies as it is suggested,
We made our home safe like the experts requested.
Hurricane Season begins on June First.
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
We'd shopped for supplies that we'd need to be set.
We followed our checklist so we wouldn't forget.
Stocked up in advance so that we'd be fine.
And we didn't get stuck in a long, curvy line.
Then rain began falling; we heard the loud thunder.
So we all made a fort which we quickly climbed under.
The wind howled a song. The trees were all swaying.
As if they were dancing while the music was playing.
We all fell asleep, exhausted at last.
And woke in the morning to the radio's blast.
The newscaster said, with relief in his voice,
That "the storm finally passed and we all could rejoice."
"And keep in mind others whose needs may demand,
the help and support of a neighboring hand."
We all ran outside on that memorable date.
Our family has so much to celebrate.
The sun was now shining. A rainbow did form.
We were safe and felt lucky, so we danced up a storm!

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