“If a hurricane doesn't leave you
dead
It will make you strong
Don't try to explain it just
nod your head
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move
On” – Jimmy Buffett & Matt Betton
Buffett & Betton wrote, “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On”
after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Alabama and
broke the levees in New Orleans. The
lyrics are from another tragedy but they certainly still ring true. We can’t explain such things we can only
pick up and move on. From those who
have been through the storm to those who are going through it now I highly
recommend this Tumblr: http://sandykatrina.tumblr.com/. It shows people from NOLA giving messages to people sorting through life after Sandy.
That said, I’m from the Jersey Shore. I grew up right outside of the island of
Wildwood & Cape May in a hamlet known as Green Creek, NJ. I saw my share of storms as a child but
nothing the likes of Hurricane Sandy. I
heard people talk of the “March Storm” of ’62 yet I never had anything to
really compare it to until the last few days of October. I still live in South Jersey with my brood;
however, we live farther away from the shore now in the Vineland area of the
state.
The storm’s center was over our county. We were in the
eye of the storm where it was quiet and eerily calm. While we were nestled in the eye Sandy raged against the
coastline of the eastern seaboard. The video & pictures are eight shades of
creepy and, as per 11/3/12, “At least 181 people have been confirmed
killed across the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and the Bahamas, as a
result of the storm” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Sandy). Property damages are being tallied at $50
billion. 50 billion. Homes and lifetimes; places of business and
worship have been swept out to sea.
While I am thankful that we were spared Sandy’s wrath my
heart breaks for those other shore dwellers whose lives have been torn
asunder. You have my love, my prayers,
and my support. The Salvation Army and
The Red Cross are two organizations that are often the first line of defense
against disasters such as Sandy. I have
personally seen these organizations go to work in people’s lives after the storm has passed. There are many storms in life. I know for a fact; however, that these two organizations do good work.
If you feel led to donate here is where you can do so:
The Salvation Army:
If you can’t give monetarily you may be able to give some of
your time. Volunteers will be
needed. There will be much to clean up
at the Jersey Shore and in New York’s southern boroughs. From what I can gather, Staten Island really
took a hit. The words, “war zone” have
been used to describe the damage there.
Do what you can, where you can.
Thank you and God bless.
“According to my watch the
time is now
The past is dead and gone
Don't try to shake it just
nod your head
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move
On”
2 comments:
FEMA Tweet:
FEMA Tell friends & family w/o internet access to call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for the closest shelter. #Sandy
Salvation Army retweet with content from a link from CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/30/us/iyw-how-to-help-after-sandy/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews
(CNN) -- Though no longer a hurricane, Sandy still brings the threat of flooding, snow and massive power outages to millions.
The deadly storm wreaked havoc as it made landfall Monday night, and many evacuees remain in temporary shelters. Even residents riding out the storm at home face significant damage and a tough cleanup in the days ahead.
Relief groups are already working to make sure everyone affected by the storm is cared for, and you can help.
Donate blood -- The Red Cross had to cancel about 300 blood drives because of the storm and supplies are running low. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule a donation appointment in your area. The New York Blood Center is also collecting blood donations in the New York/New Jersey area.
Give food and shelter -- The Red Cross and the Salvation Army are providing emergency shelter and meals for evacuees.
Help children in need -- Save the Children and World Vision are paying special attention to the needs of children affected by the storm.
Care for animals -- The Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association have teams working to save the lives of animals caught in the storm.
Provide emergency supplies -- AmeriCares, Catholic Charities USA, Direct Relief International, Feeding America and Operation Blessing International are providing food, medical supplies, emergency kits and support for people in need.
Join in the cleanup -- Team Rubicon has dispatched veteran field teams to start working right away, and Samaritan's Purse is looking for volunteers to help rebuild after the storm passes.
Help outside the U.S. -- Hurricane Sandy took a deadly toll on the Caribbean before it hit the United States. Operation USA and the International Medical Corps are helping people affected by Sandy in Haiti and Cuba. Operation USA is also providing aid to the East Coast.
Say informed - For more ways to help, visit Impact Your World. If you are in the Northeast and know of a need where you live, tweet @CNNImpact.
If you are planning to give to a nonprofit in the wake of any disaster, verify that it is legitimate. Charity evaluators like Guidestar and Charity Navigator are good ways to check that the organization you're donating to is established and your funds will go where you intend.
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