11.6.12

It is so difficult to put into words what has been happening... My last post was 10.28.12 the Trunk of Treat... the children were so excited and happy.  Yesterday they "celebrated" the best they could Halloween.  We tried to give them a little NORMAL.... for one brief hour a total of 5 houses and three apartments later they were kids again.
We lost power in my Wall apt 4pm Monday 10.29 and we received it back today around 10:45 am ish? To be completely honest we were ok and I was ok with not having power.  The apt was warm ( I have witnesses to confirm that), my children were safe, and it brought me to interact with my neighbors.  We were all working together to help each other.  THAT IS WHAT we should remember from Sandy.  The good stories, yes, there are the horrible stories, the horrible people and those who are taking advantage of people who are already hurting, but I choose to think of those who are helping.
A woman cried when we handed her a coffee cup filled with hot soup.  This moment will be in my and another woman's mind for a very long time.  Seeing entire families walk out of their home with many of their life stories on the curb and as they take a sandwich and something hot tell us how nice everyone is... is why every day we have been doing something...
My church family has kept me going, whether service by cell phones flashlights and candles, or during a sunlight Keep your coat on service.... we have all come to say, God, we know you did NOT do this....
We see signs "Jersey Strong" Yes, we are Jersey Strong....we are a state that will rebuild, we will never allow something to take us down.  construction crew men refused to take food from us, "Go give it to someone who needs it." or family members who came to help their families, "I have power, only give it to them.." All the out of state workers, FEMA, or National Guard, so many volunteers so many generous donations.... These are things that will forever be placed in people's minds next to all the memories their beloved shore towns.
Schools closed for two full weeks, homes under water, sewage, or destroyed by fires... THEY WILL SURVIVE... as a community, we will SURVIVE...   This is why I am grateful to be a part of something that is helping people to feel the love and support and to know there is help.... for EVERYONE....
Here are some shots of the gratitude.....