On Sanibel, Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining: Update on Isaac

Well, despite the clamor and sense of fear, Tropical Storm Isaac has come and gone.

The Island was in high state of alert, and well prepared.

But the organized plans were fortunately unnecessary. The storm only amounted to a little wind and rain, some high waves over the causeway and a few branches down here and there.

There are several benefits to be derived through a missed hurricane.

It tests the existing lines of communication and by so doing, it strengthens them. It creates a need and opportunity for neighbors to talk to neighbors, empowering community bonding. It helps boost sales on the Island as both residents and visitors stock up on food and emergency items. It makes one very appreciative of the beautiful, non threatening weather Sanibel Island has for most of the year.

But in this particular instance, there is one more advantage and one Island visitors and residents are delighted to see. While the Gulf waters were not overly aggressive before, during and after Isaac, they were stirred up a bit. And the off spring of the stirring is a shell-rich shore, which for the past two days, has been a haven for those beach goers armed with baskets and bags.

We are watching them march off the beach, smiles broad on their faces, clutching their treasures with the greatest of glee.

Yes, there's a little more wind out there, but swimmers are jumping in glad for the slightly more "wavy" Gulf.

And mom and kids are saying that they never had a better time or collected more shells.

Once again, we are convinced that every cloud has a silver lining. And Isaac can be credited with bringing some clouds and some magnificent silver linings!