WHO ELSE IS READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

To put it mildly, 2017 was a wild year. All year long, news across the nation reported one new crisis after another. And when hurricane season started in the ATLANTIC Pacific, we entered a whole new ballgame. For the first time since 2005, four hurricanes made landfall in the United States, three of which were so powerful the World Meteorological Organization considered retiring their names from the hurricane storm name list. The three in question are Maria, Irma, and, the one Texans are really familiar with, Harvey.

Hurricane Harvey tore through the Gulf, decimating the city of Rockport and causing a great deal of flooding and destruction ACROSS SOUTH TEXAS throughout Houston. In the aftermath of the hurricane, we were overwhelmed with phone calls from people who faced indoor air quality problems. We were able to keep up with the demand, though compiling reports took longer than usual. I want to take a moment to thank all our clients who were so understanding during the busy season. It wasn’t an ideal situation for anyone, and I am grateful to my clients who were patient and worked with us as we got through it together.

Honestly, I should be thanking you all every month. The work you’ve given me over the years has been invaluable. I’ve been able to work in a field I enjoy and support my family, which is something not many people can say. I appreciate every phone call and each job, though I didn’t anticipate how much demand would increase after Hurricane Harvey. In 2008, after Hurricane Ike wrecked the Galveston-Houston area, we saw a similar increase in demand for IAQ servicing during the recovery efforts. However, this busy period only lasted four weeks. The impact of Hurricane Harvey kept us busy well into November. It took a lot of late nights and early mornings, but I am glad my company is the first one clients think of when they need help.

As we move through December, things have quieted down again. While I love the work, I am grateful to have a moment to sit back and relax. After this last year, I know it’s important to look ahead at the upcoming year to determine which direction we want to go in. But more importantly, I’m happy to have the opportunity to spend the holidays relaxing with my family.

Though my eldest daughter is still teaching in South Korea, I’m looking forward to seeing my other two daughters and their families during the holidays. This year, the family got a little bigger when my youngest daughter, Monica, OUR MIDDLE DAUGHTER, DANA, gave birth to her FIRST third child! A new baby boy joined the family, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. He’s a cute little guy, and it will be a wonderful experience to watch him grow up. Thank you all again for your support and understanding over the last year. May you all have a more relaxing end of the year and feel re-energized as we enter 2018.

Happy holidays!