Hurricane Sandy.. My time to reflect.

[Anthony8858]

Hi all,

First I'd like the thank all of those that posted their thoughts, concerns and prayers.

As I get past the first week, I'm still in shock by what I witnessed so close to my home.
I can't forget the feeling of knowing that I was surrounded by death and destruction, yet spared the fate of so many around me. I still hear the words of so many of you warning me to "GET OUT", just as the storm approached. I'll never forget the anxiety as the storm slamming into my home, with a roar of wind, only those who have experienced it could understand.

Having a local real estate and real estate banking presence, I'm hearing more and more clients of mine have either lost their homes, or their lives. There are boats literally parked on my street. The amount of damage to the front, left and right of me, is unimaginable.
People are calling me every day, begging me to find them a home for rent. Anyone within a quarter mile of the shore wants to move.

I thanked God over and over for sparing us the same fate as so many others.

Keeping with the GSD theme, Kira is doing well. She knew something wasn't right. She stayed by my side with every move I made. She followed me through every room, and wanted to come everywhere with me. I can clearly see that she turned to me for security. She did not let me out of her sight.

My family is fine, thank god. My wife is organizing a clothing and food drive. She's choosing families one by one, and getting them as much food and clotting as possible.

Not sure why I posted this, but I consider all of you my friend, and just felt like ranting.

[MarleyGSD]

Hi Anthony, I'm so glad you're safe. I'm having a hard time coping as well. Every time I go outside its just sadness. What part of jersey do you live in?
I posted the the other thread this morning about NJ gas rationing that just went into effect for all counties above 195. I'm in Edison so the gas lines are crazy crazy crazy. But honestly, I'll wait in a gas line for 24 hours if it means me, my family and friends are still alive.
That's great what you and your wife are doing.
Keep your head up, we will get through this somehow

[Stosh]

So good to hear from both of you. You're right, the rest of us simply can't imagine what you've been through and what you face in the days ahead. We can only hope and pray for healing and recovery and send what resources we have to help with both

[Wolfiesmom]

I am glad to hear that you are safe. I am thankful that the storm didn't impact us really bad, and I am praying for all of the storm victims and families. I hope that your area can resume a fairly normal life again soon. God Bless.

[Gretchen]

Glad you posted, I thought you might have ended up with a yacht in your living room. The whole news coverage ignored Staten Island until yesterday. From what is sounds, even the rescue had ignored Staten Island.

Your wife sounds like she really has it together, organizing for others in the middle of this chaos. Glad you and your family are OK. Hope you have decent neighbors that won't loot.

My father and sister live in NJ. I think my sister has been on a generator, I'm hoping she can get gas for it, I have not heard from her. My father's wife sent a quick e-mail, so they have power.

[Gretchen]

Originally Posted by MarleyGSD

Hi Anthony, I'm so glad you're safe. I'm having a hard time coping as well. Every time I go outside its just sadness. What part of jersey do you live in?
I posted the the other thread this morning about NJ gas rationing that just went into effect for all counties above 195. I'm in Edison so the gas lines are crazy crazy crazy. But honestly, I'll wait in a gas line for 24 hours if it means me, my family and friends are still alive.
That's great what you and your wife are doing.
Keep your head up, we will get through this somehow

Do you know anything about Tom's River? A good friend lives there.

[MarleyGSD]

Well i hear they got hit very hard as well. Did your friend evacuate? The entire coast is very bad. I don't want to worry you though.

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by Gretchen

Do you know anything about Tom's River? A good friend lives there.

My friend's mom lives there.
i'll get an update.

[cta]

Originally Posted by Gretchen

Do you know anything about Tom's River? A good friend lives there.

my sister is in Toms River. I believe her house is ok, but they have been with out power since Monday and were told it won't be restored for another week or maybe more. Being so close to the shore and having friends there, she has taken in one of her friends and her dog that had her house go underwater. The shore is a mess...my BIL posted pictures since he is doing clean up. boardwalk is gone, there are boats parked in between houses, sand all over the street. some houses were uprooted from their foundations. it is truly a mess. growing up in jersey myself (i will be moving back in a few weeks) i'm saddened by the devastation this storm left behind.

[RebelGSD]

It is shocking, the devastation. I am surprised that there is not more help out there. This is not any less devastating than an earthquake, and it seems that there is much less assistance offered. Earthquakes are much more localized. On top of it, it is really cold, and loss of power is much harder in the cold. I really feel that the magnitude of the disaster is not fully appreciated for some reason. Very-very sad, I don't even hear calls for volunteer assistance. Less ht neighboring states could provide support.