“In this world you’ve just got to hope for the best and prepare for the worst and take whatever God sends.”

-Lucy Maud Montgomery from Anne of Avonlea

Last Spring when the first reports of Swine Flu hit in the news, I am sorry to admit it… I went into a bit of a panic.

I couldn’t help but to think of the five long months we spent in the Newborn ICU with our twins.  I fretted that they would be at high risk because of all the lung problems they had from their prematurity.

I spent several days listening to the news and worrying.

Then my husband (when he was totally fed up with me) gave me some good advice.

He said, “Calli, you’ve got to be reasonable.  What good will it do to keep worrying?  Will it keep us all safe?”

“No.” I had to admit.

“Well then, do what you can to prepare, and forget about it!”

Oh wow, that is just what I needed… I needed to do something…  So I rushed out to the store and bought some bottles of Gatorade, an adequate supply of Tylenol and Advil, and some hand sanitizer.

When I got home, I looked at my supplies and had a good laugh.  I really was being silly.  I’d forgotten the old adage, “You can’t borrow problems.”  There is no use getting worked up over something that hasn’t happened yet and may never happen.

Drew was right about being prepared… We do need to be able to take care of our family in an emergency.

But there is no need to rush out and buy tons of supplies (and break the bank.)  So I decided on a strategy:  Each time I go to the store, I pick up one little extra thing (usually something on sale,) be it a little extra food storage or something for an emergency.  Little by little I am getting what I need.

Here are a few checklists that have helped me:

• http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/checklist.html
• 72 Hour Kit Checklist

Even though I am taking steps to be prepared, I have also taken Drew’s advice and quit worrying.  And I have to agree with him… it’s way better to sleep soundly than to spend a night tossing and worrying about what might happen.  I get a lot more done the next day.

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