Healing After Irma: A Collection by Anne Bequette

Hurricane Irma was the strongest observed hurricane in the Atlantic in terms of maximum sustained winds. A Category 5 storm, it savagely pummeled the U.S. and British Virgin Islands on September 6, 2017, a day many will never forget. When one has survived a storm of this magnitude, they are forever changed. What they experienced can never be justified by words or photos. From the sounds of the ripping winds and roofs peeling away, to the first glimpses of the devastation when they emerge from their safe havens, to seeing strangers hugging and helping each other, the journey of what a survivor remembers, processes, and holds onto is never-ending. The healing process from tragedy takes a different shape and form for everyone. Healing After Irma is a collection of stories and photos of those affected by Hurricane Irma. It was created by Anne Bequette, a photographer and Irma survivor residing on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Anne conceived this project to preserve a written record of what unfolded that day and to give people a voice and outlet for their grief. She wanted those affected to know they weren’t alone in their distress, and to help them remember any positive aspect of their survival. She invited all participants to step in front of her camera and share a message or bring an object that survived the storm. Included in the invitation were all those on the mainland who submitted their own stories and photos. The book includes tales of both terror and triumph, from a first-hand account of taking cover for five-and-a-half hours in a roofless shower stall as the cement walls blew down, to the story of an engagement ring salvaged from a sunken boat three months after Irma. Alongside photographs of the destruction is a photo of a boy holding a sign thanking his Daddy for carrying him to safety after their roof blew away. Together they form a powerful display of resilience, hope, and healing. From the Author, published photographer in the New York Times & People Magazine: “When Irma hit, I was crammed in a utility closet with 16 other people and 5 dogs. With outside winds in excess of 200mph, I was convinced I was going to die. It was the most terrifying experience of my life, and every single day there is something that triggers that terror. I, myself, needed to find a way to channel the trauma from it, so I picked up my camera, and the idea of this project was born. While photographing it, and later while working on this book, there were many times I had to walk away. I’d bawl my eyes out, and then get right back at it. The storm alone was enough to endure, and then reliving it again through the submitted stories and verbal accounts was emotionally heavy, but so rewarding. The underlying message here is one of survival and hope. Hearing the experiences of Irma made me realize that so many people, from all walks of life, came to the same realization that despite all that was lost, we gained strength, love, and each other to lean on. This community has grown tighter and stronger, and can withstand any storm. I hope this book leaves you feeling extra appreciative of everything that matters to you in this life. Grab a tissue, grab your loved ones, and hold on tight. After all, they’re all that matters.” - Anne Bequette