Oh, Sandy.
You were a threat even before you made landfall, churning and swirling in the ocean, your actual eye set on the Jersey Shore. You decimated Atlantic City’s iconic boardwalk before making your way up the eastern seaboard and disrupting the lives of many of my friends in North Jersey, New York City, and New England. Your wrath knocked out power lines, flooded streets, and downed trees. Yes, communities were decimated in your name, and you were responsible for a number of tears. But if it was also your intent to destroy the spirit of the people you’ve impacted, you failed miserably.
The following are actual Facebook posts from friends and acquaintances–some I’m more close with than others–that I felt inspired to reproduce. Never have I seen so much optimism via social networking:
Great example of ‘glass half full’ living. I overheard a stranger talking to his insurance company today, dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Man [to me after hanging up]: Hurricane damage
Me: I hope it isn’t too bad.
Man: It is. A huge tree came down right into the house. Crashed through the roof. Giant branches everywhere.
Me: That’s awful!
Man: Yeah. But it smells great. It’s a pine tree. It’s kind of nice actually….the whole house smells like Christmas.
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I’ve heard a lot of criticism about how NYC is responding to the aftermath of Sandy–just have to say how impressed I was yesterday with what I observed out in Coney Island. I saw the Dept. of Sanitation, I saw Red Cross, I saw so many volunteers (mostly redirected marathon runners and spectators) physically carrying supplies out to houses and knocking on the doors to check in on people. I hope we can keep the momentum going over the next few weeks/month, and I hope all of those being critical have expended an equal amount of energy being of service!
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Had to get up at 3:10 this morning to go get gas. It was worth it. No line, no wait.
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I’m thankful for my family being safe and healthy, their home having no water damage, amazing friends near and far who cared enough to constantly check in on not just me, but all of us. Hugs & love to all of you. Jersey will rebuild and be stronger then ever…too many memories and history, nostalgia not to…NJ & you–perfect together!
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Hurricane Sandy has brought me closer to God, my family and friends…oh yeah, and vodka.
THE ETERNAL OPTIMIST
