It’s so good to be back here after being absent for what feels like forever. First and most important, I hope that anyone who was in the path of Hurricane Sandy is safe. Although the storm did hit where I live in Connecticut, we’re faring better than many.
My home was without power for five days. It’s funny; I knew power would eventually be restored. This was hardly our first experience with storms and extended power losses. I tried to be cheerful in light of the situation (no pun intended). And I knew we were better off than many. But come about Day 3, a sense of hopelessness threatened to descend upon me.
Despite telling myself it would get better – that there were crews from as far as Canada coming to our aid – I sunk into feeling like this would be forever. Silly, I know. Of course, when the power returned 5 days later I scolded myself for being so foolish. And I turned on every light in the house, basking in available illumination past daylight.
Our town lost countless trees; many streets were, and still are, closed, with giant trees crushing wires that they brought down with them. And days later, many people in our town and surrounding towns are still without power. Schools remain closed. And of course, Halloween, for the second year in a row, was postponed. (Last year it was a nor’easter with a surprise snowstorm.)
But what we suffered here is nothing compared to what has transpired in other areas like Long Beach, Long Island (my beloved hometown), Staten Island, parts of New Jersey and lower Manhattan. My sister and her family live right outside the town of Long Beach. The last communication I had with her was a text message the night the storm hit, last Monday night, at 11:00 PM. “I’m so scared. Water is starting to pour into the lower level. Pieces of siding from our neighbor’s houses are flying down the block. I wish it was tomorrow.”
Well, tomorrow came. And it would be four more days until I had any further communication from my sister. Of course, due to all of the damage, she was unable to text me as the power was out. She eventually sent me pictures of the houses around her, all with pieces of siding missing. The damage was huge. As time is moving on, the houses affected are beginning to get repaired. For example, my sister recently contacted M&M Home Exteriors to repair and replace the siding on her home. However, there is still so much to do.
Tomorrow brought an area without power, sewers or cell service. It brought utter devastation and disbelief, loss of lives, possessions and other tragedies. It brought unforeseeable disruptions and fear. It brought comparisons to war, nuclear attack, 9/11. It brought back chilling memories of Hurricane Katrina, startling reminders that the weather is an undeniable force that simply cannot be contained. No matter our technological progress and prowess (in spite of it? because of if?) , nature’s force remains bigger than all of us.
When my sister finally called, I was, as you can imagine, ecstatic, relieved, and emotional. Her cell service had returned, but was spotty. She couldn’t get much information out before we got cut off. But I knew that she was okay, that her house had survived (although the entire lower level had to be completely gutted). That was all I needed to know.
The next day, I loaded up my car with flashlights, food and a portable generator generously loaned by a good friend (complete with a canister of gasoline donated by her and her husband, who went out looking for gas at 5:30 that morning to make sure my sister would have it in order to run the generator). To them, who don’t even know my sister personally, I am eternally grateful. They were extremely helpful, and even tried to find some other gas bottle sizes for us to take. However, we assured them that the canister would be enough. They then proceeded to make sure that we had stored the canister correctly, preventing any gasoline leaks in the car. After checking that, we set out to Long Island.
Franklin Boardwalk. Credit: Joseph Kellard
After dropping the supplies off, I immediately headed a place that holds so many cherished memories for me – the boardwalk. It was where my parents first spotted one another and met over 60 years ago, when people would dress up and gather to socialize. It was where I biked, ran and walked, depending on my mood; or would just sit still staring out at the expansive ocean, never bored by its continuing cycle of breaking waves. Years ago, when I was small, the boardwalk was our giant playground, where we’d feast on knishes and custard, play games of Skeeball and ride roller coasters. In fact, I remember far back to when my mother’s stiletto heels (yes, the women all wore stiletto heels back then to take a walk on the boardwalk!) would get caught between the grooves of the wood planks. And then, as she bent down to pry it loose, I’d cry in fear of my tiny body falling through the narrow openings.
And now it was in shambles.
I know the human spirit is resilient. I know that everyone affected by this emotionally-challenging tragedy will rebound in time. There will no doubt be bouts of PTSD, bad dreams, deep grieving, discouragement and anger. But I also know, having been through my so-called share of personal traumas, that most of us can be changed – in a positive way – by what has transpired.
And I’m hoping that storehouse of feelings – whether they be of gratefulness, compassion, sympathy, love or understanding, can resurface in time – no tragedies necessary.
Irene S. Levine says
What a heartfelt post. So sorry to hear about the hardship you and your sister endured. The psychic damage, as you suggest, affected so many of us. You so beautifully put into words what many of us are feeling. I so look forward to receiving your newsletter and am glad you were up to posting.
Best, Irene
SherylK says
Thanks, Irene. It feels good to be back posting. Thanks for your sentiments.
Alexandra says
Your post really moved me and brought home the devastation in such a personal way. Living on Cape Cod, we have had our share of storms, too, but nothing like this Superstorm. It’s time our politicians dealt with climate change, which is so obviously a reality. As a child, I spent a week on the shore in Delaware, the closest alternative for my mom who had summered on the Jersey shore during her childhood. Thanks for this reminder of walking on a boardwalk in heels.
SherylK says
Isn’t it so sad that these beautiful areas have become more and more vulnerable and threatened as the climate changes?
Donna Hull says
What a lovely post. It’s hard to imagine the devastation Hurricane Sandy has caused in the Northeast. There will be hard times for the survivors, but as you mentioned, holding on to the good memories will help.
SherylK says
The survivors, unfortunately, are facing so many more hardships, including another storm, a nor’easter, happening today. They all deserve a break. The personal stories I’m hearing are heartbreaking.
Brette Sember says
What devastation this storm has caused. I am glad you and your family are safe, but am sorry for all that’s been lost to all the people in that area. You are right that people are resilient and will rebuild and come out stronger.
Rosalba Gordon says
Sheryl, your post reflect everybody feelings , your child memories and your words of compassion, understanding and love are very moving. I think Mother Nature is rebelling for ours actions against it. Sadly but true!
SherylK says
Thank you, Rosalba. It is sad that Mother NAture has become so angry and destructive, isn’t it?
Kerry Dexter says
thanks for this thoughtful post, Sheryl. I think one of the lessons we are all called to learn is that there is transformation — one looks for the good sort — in loss as well as in the good times.
SherylK says
I can only hope, Kerry, that these lessons are not lost once things return to “normal,”…if they ever do.
ruth pennebaker says
Lovely post, Sheryl. Thinking about you and yours.
SherylK says
Thanks, Ruth. I just wish there was some resolution already; unfortunately so many are still without power and resources.
Nancy says
Your post rang true for me, Sheryl. So many memories of places now devastated. I had such survivor’s guilt this week watching all the devastation. I would choose power over no power, but the 24/7 onslaught of pictures was a downside of having power. Like most of us, I am so sad these days.
I went into NYC last night, though, and it’s truly amazing how well it looks: Metro North and subways running well, places open, people walking to and fro as always. And Macy’s has put out their holiday “Believe” signs…appropriate, no?
Jane Boursaw says
First – so glad your sister is ok. What a worry not being able to contact her.
And I think it’s so normal and human to feel like you’ll be stuck in a terrible situation forever. Any time I’m in the midst of a crisis, try as I might to remind myself that it’s not forever, it always feels that way.
Hang in there – thinking of you.
SherylK says
Thanks, Jane. Guess I’m human after all!~
Living Large says
What a beautiful piece.
SherylK says
This comment came into my inbox this morning, from Maryellen, a friend from my school days whom I saw this past summer at our 40th high school reunion
(yes, yes, I need to write about that!).
She writes:
This was written with such heart. I felt like it was my sister waiting for those supplies. My parents also walked the boardwalk pushing me in in the baby carriage and wearing a fancy over coat.
Lou xoxo says
You have such a beautiful way with words. I’m so sad about the storms and all the damages, but am so thrilled to hear that you and your sister were okay. The sun will come out tomorrow…
SherylK says
Thank you, Lou. Always good to remember that tomorrow is another day and another opportunity…and hopefully a sunny one, at that!
MyKidsEatSquid says
I’m so glad you were able to bring some relief to your sister. How sad, though, to see the place you loved growing in shreds. Thinking about you.
merr says
I think of you whenever I hear a story about recovery from the storm on the news. It is hard to see the effects from a bird’s eye (on tv) but to see up close and be up close and in it, an entirely other/immediate experiece.