William Lovick Jr. was one of many Wilmington, N.C. residents who did not evacuate before hurricane Florence made landfall on September 14th, 2018 in Wilmington, N.C. The main reason Lovick Jr. decided not to leave was due to his medical needs. Over the past few years Lovick Jr. has faced medical challenges consisting of of kidney failure, double amputation, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. When asked if he was afraid of the approaching hurricane Lovick Jr. said, " I do not fear the hurricane, I have been close to death so many times, if the Lord wanted to take me out of this world he would have done so already.”
William Lovick Jr.wakes up on the morning of Friday, September 14th, 2018 in Wilmington, N.C. to the aftermath of hurricane Florence. Looking out from his bedroom window, "From here it doesn't seem like the hurricane did much damage," said Lovick Jr.
On Thursday, September 13th, 2018 in Wilmington, N.C. William Lovick Jr. shaves before going to his early morning kidney dialysis treatment. Lovick Jr. said, " I don't care how early I have to get up I can't go out looking like a wolfman."
On Thursday, September 13th, 2018 in Wilmington, N.C. the sky has signs of the incoming hurricane due to hit Wilmington. Deciding not to evacuate from the projected Category 4 Hurricane, William goes to his final kidney dialysis treatment before the center closes due to the incoming storm. Lovick Jr. said, "If the Lord has not seen fit to take me by now this Hurricane want to take me out... and if it does I have been operating on borrowed time anyway."
All though most stores are sold out of food and water William Lovick Jr. stops by Eagle Island Seafood and Fruit, a local roadside store, that is fully stocked with provisions on Thursday, September 13th, 2018 in Wilmington, N.C. "I knew Eagle Island would still be stocked", said Lovick Jr.
After a long day of doing last minute task around town on Thursday, September 13th, 2018 in Wilmington, N.C. William Lovick Jr. places batteries in his lantern. "I am getting all my lights ready now because when the light goes out I won't be able to find nothing", said Lovick Jr.
Lantern in hand, William searches for his nightly medications after the lights went out due to the prevailing winds of hurricane Florence. "I knew I should have taken my meds earlier so I would not have to search for them in the dark," said Lovick Jr. On Thursday, September 13th, 2018, in Wilmington, N.C.
On Sunday, September 16th, 2018 in Wilmington, N.C. William Lovick Jr. finally makes it outside to see up close the damage left behind by hurricane Florence. "I am thankful the good Lord has watched over me yet again," said Lovick Jr.