It was the deadliest snowstorm recorded in the city’s history, and not even 911 could save the day.
A “once-in-a-generation” event
My hometown of Buffalo, NY is notorious for its heavy snowfall and “lake effect” snowstorms, but this storm was different than any I had ever seen in my lifetime. While us Buffalo area residents were made aware earlier in the week of an impending storm, things took a turn for the worse on the afternoon of December 23, 2022. Within a matter of hours, temperatures fell into the negative double digits, snowfall reached over 50 inches overall, and 80 mph winds. And for the next 37 hours, the event would continue on.
Employees returning home from work became trapped in their cars, slowly running out of gas until they froze to death. Pedestrians who went out to gather last-minute items became disoriented from the cold and lack of visibility, quickly perishing from the frostbite and hypothermia. Thousands were without power in their homes, and some individuals passed from the inability to access life-saving medications such as insulin. Many succumbed to the elements making rescue near-impossible. Pretty soon, experts dubbed this environmental fiasco as a “once-in-a-generation snowstorm,” with the entire city and its surrounding areas looked like a scene straight from the movie The Day After Tomorrow (IYKYK).
Who is the first one you run to in an emergency?
911 disabled
What was even crazier is that the 911 emergency line was disabled because emergency vehicles would not be able to navigate in literal whiteout conditions. So anything going down during that time would have to just occur as is until things settled down. Again, situations that seem like the substance of horror movies. When you can’t call on the police/government to protect you, many people would think of that and panic. As believers, who is the first one you run to in an emergency?
Sober Survivors
3 years later, still so many emotions plague me about that event, including shock and grief. Another is one of the strangest sensations I’ve encountered within this recovery journey in general: survivor’s guilt. Now, during this vicious storm, I was living in a women’s shelter with strangers, yet we never lost power and heat. I had no family that was waiting for my return, and had nothing to my name at that time (nothing but faith, at least). It was Christmas, and just like my life while in the throes of active addiction, l felt the world outside was crumbling all around me.
Still, God created a safe haven of peace and a shelter from the storm. I am truly grateful, but I continue to question why God keeps seeing fit to protect and sustain this ole drunk, during both the storms and daily life. So many others I can think of have fallen to the terrible throes of addiction, many of whom claimed the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior, too. What makes you and I so special? Why are we still here?
Remembrance and action
While grief and guilt are common emotions that arise when sober, I find it helpful to reflect on the continuous mercy that God grants us even at our lowest states. This then inspires me to be grateful and loving by taking positive action and moving forward. Psalm 77:11 says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” While the circumstances of this tragic event were devastating, I leaned into the gratitude aspect that many 12-step programs promote. This helps me push past the guilt and shamefulness of it all, even when I cannot understand any of it at all.
Can you look back and remember God granting you protection, even while you were still drinking/using/engaging in addictive behaviors? How have these revelations of mercy and grace fueled your motivation to remain dedicated to both your walks of faith and sobriety?
