That’s the night the lights went out in…Malad. The Malad Family History Center in the Stake Building is where I was when everything went dark. A few of us were at the Center so at least we had company. Jan went on a tour of the building to check on preparations for her ward party and ran into another party planner who had a video of the fireball at the substation. That video got my attention.

My first question was, “How?” 

My second was, “How many days before we are back to normal?” 

 By the time I got home, Becky Cox had texted instructions to turn on the emergency radios. Kim Evans, our area’s lead, was checking in just as I turned mine on. I reported we were fine. I then settled back and listened to neighbors and friends report on their own status and that of their neighbors and friends, which reminded me I had neighbors and friends, too. So, I did a little checking. It seemed like Kim wasn’t leaving his post until he knew the condition of every household in his area; and people were responding. Some were texting or calling, visits were made when there was no response, but everyone was accounted for by about 7:00pm. It made me feel good to know we were in this together.

Then about 10:00pm, friend Sara Richardson sent a picture of the pickleball courts with the caption, “At least there is one place in town with lights.” It was a mecca of light amidst the gloom! Next time the lights go out, friend Rebecca thinks we should all meet at the courts for a game and some light.

By morning power was restored, so my second question was answered earlier than expected. I’m still waiting for an answer to the first, which will hopefully be in The Enterprise this week. I do know Life is Good, even with fireballs if you have neighbors and friends, a pickleball court with solar light, and Rocky Mountain Power working overtime.