My Marine grew up in an idyllic little town called Highlands, New Jersey. It’s his home town. Most of his family has left but one sister still lives there. A lovely little home down by the seashore, or it was. Like many others my sister in law and her husband were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. The above video shows some of the havoc that was wreaked on Highlands. ( If you cannot tolerate the Springsteen music please mute it and just watch). My focus is on Highlands since we have family there. Obviously, there were many other areas in several states that were hit hard by this nasty hurricane.
The last update we had from sis was not great. They still had no power and were waiting for their insurance company to get back to them. They have done as much as they can on their own and the community has been pulling together to help but this is just an atrocious situation. The insurers are either overwhelmed or not in any hurry (or both). She and her husband have “mudded” out their basement and lower floor and there was raw sewage which is an obvious health concern. All appliances and anything that couldn’t be moved up are destroyed. The interior of the home will have to be re-done as well. They have pulled out the sheetrock and scrubbed as best they can. Leaving their home is not an option as there have been incidences of looting on their Street. They are seasoned in the way of Hurricanes and no one had to come to their aid but, they will need help. This is just a tiny bit of their account which is actually much worse. The good news is they were not injured. The bad news is that no help is coming any time soon. Many that are employed missed much work and won’t be compensated for that time. Even those with good insurance have significant deductibles and will likely see hefty premium increases.
I hope everyone will tune in today from 7-11 eastern for this radiothon. As we know by now, these victims need help. Government help and/or insurance payments are not coming quickly enough and we need to assist as much as we can. It’s what we do! I know the economy is bad but, please give what you can. Those $10.00 donations add up quickly. Thank you to everyone who is contributing to this effort and a special thank you to FTR Radio and Smart Girl Politics! A super special thank you to Anna Little who went to check on my sister in law and was on the ground, helping victims right before the election. ( Highlands blew it on that one, but that’s for another day). I hope you will tune in and take part in the radioathon but if you cannot, please give what you can to the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund The United Way is waiving all administrative expenses for this effort and all donations are tax deductible. Additionally, if you like, you can designate which State you wish your monies to go to.
Finally, a word about some responses I have been seeing on social media. Most of you have been great, spreading the word and positive messages. Some have unfortunately been nasty. “Why are we helping blue states.” “Governor Cuomo said everything is fine.” etc. This is not about politics folks, this is about helping victims of a horrendous natural disaster. I’m a huge fan of snark when appropriate; this is not one of those times. Please, set aside the snarky comments for another day. In other words, either help or get out of my way. This one is personal. Now, let’s get out there and walk the talk. I thank you, The Marine thanks you and his sister thanks you.
Theresa, that was very touching………you nailed it completely, I just got in work this a.m. and see on my desk a federal express envelope, FINALLY, there’s an insurance check in there to cover our appliances. As you know, this is already spent……….now having to get in touch with the insurance company AGAIN for another advancement, it’s draining, when they want their payment’s each and every month, we are NEVER late, but now look, they make us wait and we still have no heat…….our fridge is still out on our back deck, we’re using it as a huge cooler, stuffing it with ice to keep a few item’s cold, such as milk, need that cup of joe or tea first thing in the a.m. Thank you so much for your heartfelt word’s, they really mean sooooooooo much……..people have it alot worse than we do……..God Bless You!!!!!!!
Jeannine, It pains me to hear you are still fighting with your insurer. I’ve heard a lot of this but the fact that others are in the same boat will not ease your suffering. Still no heat concerns me. It’s cold enough in San Diego that we have had to use ours occasionally; I cannot imagine what it’s like in Highlands. It was my pleasure to work for this worthy cause sis. A great group of patriots made this team effort seem almost effortless. I know there are people in a bad way, worse than you but this I did for you. Know that you are in our prayers and words are so easy right now but remember, this too shall pass. We love you sis and God Bless You and Billy ! Hugs and misses,
Theresa
I was sitting at home last night feeling sorry for myself in the wake of these hard times and than I remember how my family and friends in Highlands have no heat, running water or electricity and just Thank God for all that I have. I have all these things and much more. I love you Jeannine and you are a very strong person and will get through this if you don’t wind up in the hospital first from exhaustion; of which I pray doesn’t happen. The only reason I mention that is because I don’t think people realize how much goes into rebuilding. It’s emotionally and physically draining and lest we forget financially. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you sister and we worry too. We almost got on a plane to go help but were told we would just be in the way (and two more mouths to feed) in an already bad situation. It does make one take stock of one’s own problems and put them in perspective. Both of you are the sisters I never had. I love you dearly and yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Jeannine, take care as Patty says; this takes a toll both emotionally and physically. The house will be of no use to you at all if you are sick. God Bless Patty. Love and misses from both of us.