It's October 31, Halloween.
The costumes are ready.The candy has barely been touched.
However this year, our neighborhood will remain quiet.
Halloween has been postponed until Monday, November 5.
I live in New Jersey.
Add this to the list of things Hurricane Sandy has stolen.
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| Poverty Beach, Cape May NJ Courtesy of Exit Zero |
We are a state that has it all: gorgeous shoreline, cute suburbs, access to major cities, farms filled with fresh produce, and one of the most diverse populations.
While many across the U.S. may joke of us, I honestly believe it's out of ignorance.
My New Jersey is a great state.
It boasts colorful scenery.
It's people are smart, dynamic, and strong.
We work hard.
We play hard.
We care.
Our beaches are beloved.
Treasures, I dare say, that many outsiders flock during the summer months. Sand and surf, warm sun on one's shoulders. There is a place for everyone along our shoreline- couples, families, singles, gay, straight, old, young.
We have a beach for you.
At least, we did before Sandy.
In my little suburban town, we have been very lucky. A good hour from the shoreline, we weren't hit nearly as bad as anticipated. Our street went unscathed. With the exception of a few flickers, power never was lost. No trees or branches down. There were no major catastrophes. My friend eight blocks away still waits for the two trees and wires which have taken residence in the middle of her street to be removed so her power can be restored, but she is seems to be the exception.
School is back in session.
Mail has been delivered.
I just watched as public works tossed large sticks, branches, and other debris from our neighbor's yard into their truck for removal.
Life is attempting to go back to normal,
but how can we?
Not when we can't help but survey the damage that has occurred to these places we love.
Entire communities have been destroyed.
Boardwalks completely swept away.
Sand and water overtaking house after house.
Flooding forcing evacuation.
The storm is over, but it's aftermath is here.
It's real.
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| South Inlet section of Atlantic City, NJ Edward Lea, Press of Atlantic City |
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| The Pier at Seaside Heights NJ Fox 5 |
They wait for the hum of the refrigerator, the flicker of lights, the buzz of the television.
They wait for life to go on as usual, but have no time line as to how this can or will happen.
This Halloween will be like no other, as we in New Jersey recover from hurricane Sandy.
Wondering what you can do to help?
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| Donate money here |
Do you need assistance?
