It’s hard to articulate what Sandy means for me, impossible to say what it means for anyone else, especially those who have lost so much.
As a born-and-bred Jersey Girl, I spent my summers down-the-shore. (And many summer weekends as an adult.) Although I am shocked by its devastation, I have faith in its revival.
My daughter Annika was born at NYU Medical Center, where I also had a few medical stays. I’m in complete awe of the hospital’s heroics during their evacuation.
I lived in Hoboken for eight years. I feel so sad for a town I loved (and love) so dearly.
And, two nights before Sandy, I ate a fabulous dinner with a fabulous group of women at NYC’s Barbarini Alimentari, now ravaged and lost to the storm. I feel utterly helpless to help.
No matter how you’ve been affected, one thing is clear — Sandy’s massive winds have moved us all. And she’s still moving us.
The devastation moving so many of us to tears, sadness, and disbelieving shock. Moving us into compassion for people so abruptly uprooted from everything they know. Moving us further away and closer together, all at the same time. Moving us to reach out to friends and strangers in need.
In all of this movement, in all of this disruptive destruction, heroes move into action:
- The NYU Nurses who carried premature babies and their oxygen tanks down 9 flights of darkened stairs.
- The tireless utility workers who left their homes to bring power back to the East Coast.
- Patient police officers, guiding long lines of patrons safely to gas.
- Reporters and camera crews weathering dangerous conditions to bring us up-to-date news.
- Friends opening their homes to weary, less-fortunate neighbors.
- Elected officials doing an amazingly good job.
- The guys who stood in putrid water, digging out drains on Hoboken’s flooded streets.
- Organizers and volunteers of donation drives and cleanup efforts.
- The people of Staten Island who are hanging on tight.
- The Maplewood Librarians who welcomed the masses.
- The fire officials, the troops, the rescuers of stranded people.
- Those political leaders who put politics aside in order to expedite assistance.
And so many many more….
When powerful winds blow everything away, we’re the ones who are left behind.
It’s in this dark, naked moment that we are moved to look deeply within. It is our opportunity to ignite our own heroic power. The power we need most when the lights go down.
Who are some of your favorite Sandy Heroes? Please Post below.
Looking for some Post-Sandy, Post-Election-Season Stress Release? Contact me for a complimentary introductory EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) session via Skype or Phone.
Be Well,
Marian
Exquisite heart-felt post, Marian. Thank you so much for listing the heros… I felt myself deepen into my heart and gratitude for them. Truly these events draw forth the most powerful hearted genius of humanity. If it wasn’t for such devastation, one could call this encounter a gift. And of course it is not, as so many are suffering. And yet humanity’s nature to turn darkness into gold is part of its sacred profound nature.
I can only imagine how it must feel to have your home and homeland which you have lived all your life devastated. I mourn with you here. Even while I know you and most people will rise from the ashes like the Phoenix and be reborn… as you have done so powerfully before in your life.
my love and deep compassion to you and all who are still impacted. xoxo
Kathleen,
Thank you for your beautiful words of support. YES YES YES. I truly believe our area will rise from the ashes. So many heroes to help. And you are so right. Humanity’s nature is to turn darkness into gold. Exactly what we are witnessing!
Much love and gratitude, Marian
Marian,
Thank you for this wonderful post. It’s true that such devastation can bring out the heroic in all of us. I’ve seen everybody get together on SI to help those who aren’t as fortunate. Just look at all those marathon runners coming in to help all those in need. Such beauty.
I feel the same way about NJ. The two were hit so hard but I know we will rebuild! I stand with you in grieving for them both. And will also be there when we get to celebrate them again. We are resilient! Much love to you with your heartbreak.
My heroes are the everyday people helping with everything they’ve got.
Your compassion does all of our hearts some much needed good.
Lazarus, Thank you for standing with the people of SI. You are truly one of their heroes! I agree, its the everyday people opening up in so many ways to help. Sending love to you and your family and friends. Marian
Oh Marian, What a life-affirming message…I too am so grateful for your listing, naming, acknowledging of the heroes and the spirit of us all that rose up while our worlds fell apart.
Thank you for sharing your heart.
Thank you, Lisa. Let’s keep the good will going! This is an opportunity to grow the love! Stay Well, Marian