The Evacuation
My face when I heard the news that the Marlins were graciously inviting families to fly with the team out of Irma's way was a mixture of Amelia's joyous grin and that of both relief and shock in the most grateful of ways. We arrived to the field late last night and joined the other Fish families in our business casual dress under evacuation advisories, which ended up turning into mandatory orders for Miami Beach - where we currently live.
We loaded onto the bus - the five of us, and headed to a private airport tarmac at Miami International.
"Bubsy," as the kids and I like to call her, was telling me last night how thankful she was to be able to leave with Dada. She trusts me plenty, but something about a Category 5 hurricane with only one Mama for protection over three kids was making her feel uneasy and a little queasy. Can't say I blame her.
As we pulled up to the airplane, I was met with the reality of how kind this gesture truly was to us. This was actually happening. In each of our years with the Marlins, there's never been a trip that families were allowed to travel on. That's just been the rules we've grown accustomed to with this team, and there's nothing inherently wrong with it. But because the tradition of "no family travel" has been so engrained into us, to be afforded this opportunity to not only leave the state, but to leave it with our husbands was just such a grace.
Last night, Bearett wrote a note that said something like this:
"Dear Marlins,
Thank you for your willingness to keep us safe. We're so thankful we get to be with our Dada. Love, The Conleys."
He gave it to our travel secretary before boarding the plane.
Even at 1AM, our thanksgiving never subsided. Each of us is just so incredibly happy to be with Daddy and not alone in Florida on the eve of what could be extreme destruction to the only home this family knows.
Before falling asleep on our way to Atlanta, Bearett read Amelia the Bible and then the three of them prayed together - something we do every night. Only this night, there were a few more prayer requests and a few more praises.
Atlanta bound until Sunday.
To the Fish and Mr. Loria,
We are so grateful. Your generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, and grace is such a treasure and something we will always look fondly back upon.
We're praying for our state, for our cities and homes, but what we're especially praying for are the souls of the people who make it all up. May they recognize the need for a savior through this and may the Lord save them in his mercy.
We've come to love you, Florida. Stay safe my friends and be wise. And don't stop praying. Actually praying. It does work.
