Living on the Florida Emerald Coast, people view a hurricane as a common thing. So it is not unusual for a family to have several full gas cans and bottled water stored in their houses all summer.
Though unwilling to evacuate from a hurricane, on September 15,my family was forced to leave our home for my grandfather's house several miles away. We spent the early part of that evening watching the hurricane draw closer on the Weather Channel. Around nine o'clock, a loud sound shook the house, turned over the roof and carried it off. Soon came an indoor rainstorm.
Realizing the damage, my grandfather began to be afraid. The storm had started, but he still ran out into the heavy rain and wind to see how much of the roof was left. We got him back inside. I had never seen him so scared. Mom finally asked him to lie down in his room.
The leak had progressed rapidly. It soon became a race against time to protect what was saved. Some people may think it necessary to save material things, but I hoped to save those items with emotional value, such as the photos. I still feared the storm, but I more feared the influence it brought.
The next morning, it started to clear up. Thankfully, my family weathered the storm, though the same could not be said for the house. Only the wooden beams remained, but inside many of his things were safe. My mom and I had worked tirelessly through the night.
It was late, but we were still unwilling to go to bed. We discussed the rebuilding of the house. Under the beautiful sky, we suggested looking after my grandfather more often in the future. After this disaster, I realized the truth that the hurricane itself was not so terrible if we loved each other.
8. Why do the people store full gas cans and bottled water?
A.To save much money. | B.To watch a hurricane easily. |
C.To protect their houses well. | D.To be prepared for hurricanes. |
9. How did the author's grandfather feel during the hurricane?
A.Frightened. | B.Surprised. | C.Calm. | D.Angry. |
10. What does the underlined word "weathered" in paragraph 5 mean?
A.Prepared well for. | B.Waited patiently for. |
C.Came safely through. | D.Suffered seriously from. |
11. What may the author learn from the experience?
A.Family love is powerful. | B.Take things as they come. |
C.Good health is over wealth. | D.Lost time is never found again. |