As I’m sitting down to write this week’s column, Friday morning, I remain awaiting word of power being restored to my neighborhood.

I was hopeful when awaking Thursday, as the FirstEnergy Storm Center reported the potential of restoration by 11 p.m. that day, then an update of 8 p.m., then back to 11 p.m. Both moments came and went without a flicker, for me to go to sleep and greet Friday with a notice that there was then no specific estimate.

I noticed two crew trucks passing the house as I left for work, with an update of possible restoration by 6 p.m. Friday greeting me late morning, although I noticed the cause was still “pending investigation” and the crew status was “preparing for dispatch.”

I truly am grateful for the men and women, many of whom aren’t even from the Ohio Valley, who have been out on our roads, climbing through our trees, and working on our utility lines the last few days as they make every effort to restore service for all of our residents.

We knew Tuesday’s storm was coming, but I don’t think any of us fully expected to have such effects as a result, especially for something that took place over such a relatively short period of time.

We’ve all experienced power outages at one point or another, but it’s a rare situation for many of us to go this long without electricity.

Going home for rest after a long day at work to have few options than to sit in the dark and talk, maybe get some take-out, full well knowing there’s a refrigerator of food that will have to be tossed this weekend. Meanwhile, less than a mile away, I can see lights from homes and businesses glowing brightly in the night, almost tauntingly.

A cold shower in the morning, taken by the dim light of a battery-powered lantern, helps to wake me up. I don’t dare attempt to shave.

I look at the FirstEnergy map, seeing all these areas surrounding my neighborhood, slowly, but surely, being cleared. Dots of “less than 20 customers” litter the landscape, but the big orange blob remains.

Yes, I’m frustrated about it.

But, I try to hold on to some hope in my exhaustion. I’m thankful for the individuals out there, working in the elements, trying to help us. They do it, hearing the same weather reports we are and knowing there’s the potential another heavy storm could erase much of the work they’ve already done.

I sit in the dark, knowing there are those around the world in worse shape. I have a roof over my head, and a family around me – even if I can’t necessarily see their faces at night without a flashlight.

At the moment, I’m able to go into Weirton or another community and pick up some food if it’s not available at the house.

And, I know the power will be back at the house some point. I’ll be able to take a hot shower and properly groom. I’ll see my family, and not just listen to their voices.

Things will be “normal” again.

Once again, a big thanks to the men and women who have been out there working to make that aspect of our lives available to us. Your efforts are appreciated, and I wish you safe journeys to wherever your next assignment takes you.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)