Ellie and Leo surveying the damage, two days after Hurricane Sandy storm. This tree was across the street from our house. It, along with many others were removed, and our neighbor was very lucky that tree didn't land on her house--look how close it came.
A year ago today, the wind howled, the trees splintered around us like broken toothpicks and the lights went out. Hurricane Sandy arrived.
After we lost power, our family piled into one big bed and listened, terrified, as the wind roared outside--it truly sounded like the world was about to end. I am not exaggerating when I say it was one of the scariest things I've ever experienced.
When the storm was over, our lives ground to a halt. Without heat and electricity for ten days, schools were closed and all around us was evidence of the destruction: downed trees, power lines and homes. Our losses were minor in comparison to many others, and very much replaceable. Sadly, many others were not as fortunate. It was a trying time that I won't soon forget, and a sobering reminder of how fragile our little lives are--we really are just a wind's gust away from disaster.
As they say, much was lost that day, and much was gained. And I think it's true what they also say, that God isn't the hurricane, God is the cleanup (it's an old Yiddish phrase my dad quotes often). In short, a lot of good did come out of that literally dark time.
I wrote this last year, so I wouldn't forget.
