Sandy

Normally I try and keep my blog a place of positivity. I don’t focus on the extremely personal or the extremely depressing. But right now I have to take a slight diversion from our regularly scheduled programming to talk about the impact of Hurricane Sandy.  If this isn’t your thing, please skip.

I grew up on the South Shore of Long Island. There is a canal at the end of my block and the ocean is a 5 minute bike ride away. The town itself is quiet and peaceful. I knew most of my neighbors and some were even like family.  My house has a very strong family tradition.  It was built in the late 1940s and purchased by my Grandparents. They moved in and had my father. He grew up in that house.  My Grandparents passed away when I was young, and when the house was empty we moved in. I had the opportunity to grow up in the same house that my Dad grew up in.  We attended the same High School and even had some of the same teachers. In all the years of my family owning this house, it has never flooded. 

Last night my home flooded. The storm surge was worse than expected and there was no way to keep the water out.  I found out from a friend and neighbor (we grew up across the street from each other) that her parent’s house flooded severely. This prompted me to call my parents to find out what the situation was. “It was much worse than expected.” I had a brief conversation with my parents where they told me they were safe on the second floor. I’m very happy for their safety and thankful that everyone is in one piece.  But the home, I feel sadness for my home.

I’m still waiting to hear updates from my parents. I have heard rumors of the water receding in other towns on Long Island, which makes me hopeful. I know the worst of it is over, but I can’t help but be afraid of the damage report. My heart goes out to all of those on the East Coast who are recovering this morning.