Anyone who knows me personally will tell you that I am extremely optimistic by nature, the glass half full type of gal but I have to say these last few days have been a bit trying. Living in Central New Jersey our weather is generally mild with calm transitions from season to season so a hurricane stopping in to visit is not anything we are use to. Above residents from Jersey City pull together to prepare for the hurricane with a strong sense of community.
Here is my lovely backyard; I could go on about how in the first hour of the storm our dining room window broke when shingles from my neighbors roof hit it or how our trampoline was lifted in mid- air then landed in someone else’s back yard (look at the top right for the black octagon) destroying itself and part of their fence or how our massive tree fell and we have no power but today I want to share a different perspective with you, one of community and caring.
My son Cole helping his Dad outside clean up some of the branches and trampoline parts LOL. I have no idea how our massively heavy trampoline could travel through the trees and over a fence to our neighbors property, yikes. Some of the things that really stuck with me today; my neighbors gathered in the street talking and laughing (you cannot get out of my street is blocked by a massive pine tree that fell and power lines), families taking walks with their kids, friends rolling suitcases up the street headed to family members houses with power, tiny baby clothes hanging fireside at my neighbors to dry when we stopped in to say hello and an overall sense of community. Almost as if we stepped back to a simpler time where people took the time to notice each other and care about their neighbors. My kids are playing cards, reading books, making smores by the fire, talking to us and playing with their little brother, what the heck is happening??
My family will face challenges ahead with a home at the Jersey shore but for now we will sit tight and enjoy a few more days of family, chatting with neighbors and calm. For all who were affected, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
