The nightmare was indeed over for our family. We walked into our house all lit up like a Christmas Tree (the holiday is quickly approaching, but I am not ready in the least for that, read more about that here though) and heat turned up to temperatures close to that of the Bahamas. For those who don’t know, we share a mother-daughter home with my parents, who live upstairs with my younger brother. My husband, I and the girls live on the first floor. My mom, more than graciously, turned all our lights on and put our heat up so we would come into a nice warm, well-lit home. I swear I was never so happy to not be in the dark and walk into warmth in my whole life. It was truly amazing.
We checked our TV, Internet and phones, all worked, too. It was a miracle and my prayers had been heard and answered in full (I had a hotline to heaven and my grandparents for days now). However, now my guilt was setting in, because all of Kevin’s family (his parents and siblings), were still without power and heat, as well.
We asked if anyone wanted to spend the night here and everyone seemed to be hopeful that their power would return shortly and would brave another night without it. By the next morning, it was clear that they were still without. Kevin and I called and/or texted cell phones of all his family to invite everyone over for hot showers and a nice warm meal in a lit up and heated home (ours).
During the day, Kevin’s younger sister and her family came over to shower. They stayed to watch the kids with their girls also, while I shopped for dinner. I went to our normal grocery store and picked up everything for a nice Mexican Taco dinner minus the chopped meat, because the meat machine was broken. So I braved two more supermarkets and long gas lines to get chopped meat finally at the last one I visited. Chopped meat is never a thing that I thought I would have to worry about finding, but it indeed was.
Once I returned home, I made brownies, cookies and began cooking dinner, as well. By 6 pm that night, we had a full and packed house. It was like a party, but no one really was feeling particularly like having a party. Showers were had and dinner was now being served. Then, dessert also.
Everyone stayed on until about 8:30 that night, because nobody other than my husband and his dad had work in the morning. We offered for anyone to sleep over, but again everyone went home that night. Then, Kevin turned to me and said, “I need gas for my car. Even though I had a full tank before the storm, I am now almost on empty and will not make it to work if I don’t fill up.”
So, out he went to brave long gas lines, but returned about a half hour later, hoping that if he got up in the middle of the night that he would get gas for his car quicker.
At 4:30 am, he woke and ran out to find a gas station. At 7 am, I had to bring him cash in case they didn’t take his debit card and he was still waiting. The girls were still sleeping and my mother thankfully kept her ear open for them. I parked on the local street and walked over to give him cash. We set talking in the car for a few minutes. It looked like a scene out of a movie and the gas lines were wrapped around the corner and then some. I had never in my life seen anything quite like this. By the way, the poor guy had had to go to the bathroom earlier before I even arrived and found an empty container in his car. I won’t go any further, but leave that to your imagination. All I have to say is I wish I was guy in times like that!
By the way, he did get gas for his car by 8 am. Came home showered, dressed and went to work. I had scheduled a hair cut on Wednesday, when I thought we might not have power back to at least get my hair washed and kept the appointment, because I was in desperate need of a hair cut anyways. Once there, I started talking to a young newly married girl, who lived in Lindenhurst on the water, lost her home and all her worldly possessions. She set there crying for a good portion of her conversations with us all. It was truly pathetic and was once again reminded that so many were so much worse off that we ever were or could have imagined right here in our almost backyard! By the way, we again we had everyone over that night (Boboli Pizzas and salad), too.
Saturday was now upon us. The girls went to dance, because the dance studio had power and we thought we could at least give them a bit of normalcy. Then, it was off to the grocery store for another large family dinner to be enjoyed in our home by all. Tonight would be London Broil, veggies and mashed potatoes and gravy, too.
At the grocery store, I was reminded how fortunate we really are, by hearing all sorts of tales from downed trees, houses destroyed and others still without electricity, heat and hot water. Yet, again, I feel just that much more guilty for ever having complained about being without electricity, hot water and heat for 48 hours. I truly feel like a heel when I think about how I reacted at first and hope god can just forgive me for a few selfish moments I had earlier in the week.
In any event, I have been informed by my cousin that in New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is releasing free gas in certain towns in each borough and/or county for all without, click here for more information. A total step in the right direction for the gas crisis hopefully (However as of Sunday still there was no new news about this and the gas had not be released to these locations unfortunately). The Red Cross is apparently on the way, too. LIPA trucks and even some out of state electrical trucks have been all over town and hoping more power will be restored sooner rather than later. I am also praying right now for all who have lost and are in need to get some form of help. We have decided to go through the girls toys (they have a ton and could rival a small Toys R Us store) and donate to kids who may have lost all their toys. I am also going to go through my closet and see if I can donate some more clothes to those in need, too.
I know many say let someone else do it, but my good friend Richard Rumple said it best that if we all just donate a dime, those who lost could be rich indeed. The old saying applies here in this situation that it takes a village!!! I hope you too can find it in your heart to help in whatever small way you can. And to indeed help victims of Sandy, donations to the American Red Cross can be also made by visiting Red Cross disaster relief, or you can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
I am not a hero by any means, but another good friend truly, Cyndi Calhoun put a huge smile on my face today and again it is people like that and moments like that that truly put things in perspective for me. Thanks to all those who do help in whatever small way that you can.
One Funny Motha says
Glad to hear everything is ok for you b/c LI got hit bad. The story with your hair dresser is heartbreaking. Looking at some of those pictures, it's like where do you even begin?
JanineHuldie says
One Funny Motha thank you and just so glad you too are all Ok. I agree about the girl at my hairdressers and felt terrible just hearing her tale and there are so many more like that coming out of Long Island just like this. Scary and just so heart wrenching.
Emily says
Thanks so much for posting this Janine…I needed someone to give me perspective and you have done that. I am frustrated, angry, AND COLD with our own situation, but it is nothing compared to what others are going through. I needed that reminder, especially today as I feel my resolve weakening. You've given me strength and made me realize I am experiencing an annoying inconvenience, while others are truly in a desperate situation.
JanineHuldie says
Oh Emily, my heart has been going out to you for days now and you are allowed to complain having been without for over a week now. My 2 days seems like a walk in the park. I am very much praying for you and your family right now. Cannot wait to hear that your power is indeed back on and will be celebrating with you 🙂
Bill says
There are too many people who are more than willing to let someone else do it. Each individual needs to understand that we are in this together, every single time there is a catastrophe like this one.
JanineHuldie says
Thanks Bill and you are truly so right about others just passing the buck on helping those in need and we have seen this time and time again during tragedies. I am with you on this and agree that others need to realize that we are all in this together and do whatever small gesture.
JanineHuldie says
Thanks Kelly. I know we had this conversation on FB, but yes I just can't help, but feel guilty for having been so upset for not having just a bit of electricity for 2 days. I understand your feelings and believe me it is awful to feel powerless.
Amy says
I'm so glad you and your family are okay. This has been so hard for so many people in our area. Reaching out to help each other is the only way for all of us to get through this. 🙂
JanineHuldie says
Thank you Amy and so glad you all are Ok too. I am in total agreement with you that reaching out truly has been the only way to go and to get through this.
JanineHuldie says
Thank you Julie and so very true and just still can't believe all I do have to be thankful for 🙂
Christy says
Wow Janine, such a great post. I am so thankful you and your family are safe xx
JanineHuldie says
Thank you so much Christy for your thoughts for my family and I. Also, thank you again for your tweet, too!! So appreciate it 🙂 🙂
Courtney~Club-Conten says
Oh, I hope it can get better for everyone soon! I feel so spoiled here, where we rarely endure rough weather, and we certainly are very rarely cold. These events do remind us of all of the blessings we have, and all of those small things we take for granted. It was nice to hear what's going on from the inside. It doesn't seem like there is any news coverage. Please stay safe!
JanineHuldie says
Thank you Courtney. I, too, hope it gets better very soon too. My 3 year old still had no pre-school a week later and doesn't go back now until Thursday and just can't believe how much has been effected by this one storm. But so very true about it reminding us of all we have to be thankful for and agree that we are truly blessed.
JanineHuldie says
Thanks Steph and could't have said it better myself. Seriously, I am so amazed at seeing all the good I have seen since this occurred and still also see the all the bad on the flip side, too!!
Meredith says
Janine, I think it's awesome how you were able to bless so many others during this time. You've got a beautiful heart and a wonderful spirit to just allow yourself to be used as you were needed in such a hands-on way. So sorry to hear that it has been such a mess for those around you…
JanineHuldie says
Thank you so much Meredith. I have to be honest and couldn't have done it any other way, but it has been crazy around these parts lately.
Stacy Harris says
Wow – this truly was an incredible post. I don't even really know what to say. It has been a nightmare for some many people out there. But if everybody pulls together, it can be rebuilt. I am glad to hear you opened your doors to family and friends in need. I would have done the same thing. It is sad to think that some have suffered so much. Wow!
Kelly says
Wow, so many things to say. First of all, you're like super mom cooking brownies, cookies, and dinner all in one day. Second of all, you reminded I haven't had a haircut in say 6 months.. oops. Third, the gas lines – wow. And lastly, I probably have a ton of clothes that I could donate. Do you think it's best to go through Red Cross to do this or do you know of another collection? We did one down here this weekend but it was for supplies like water, blankets, I didn't even think about clothes honestly.
JanineHuldie says
Thanks Cari and I hope your relatives get their power back soon, too. Kevin's parents are without still and going on day 8 now. They are here right now having had dinner with us and watching a bit of TV. So, it is just so widespread and all over that it is truly hard to believe still.
JanineHuldie says
Thanks Stacy, seriously I only did what seems to come natural to me and wrote until I couldn't write anymore and have to be honest I am so not done, because it has become everyday life for me now. Kevin's parents are here again tonight and just wouldn't have it any other way.
JanineHuldie says
Kelly, I believe the Red Cross is totally taking donations. Try that number, but if you hit into any problems, message me and can even see about setting something up with you, because I know some many in need down to even the school I taught at that has been having events daily because so many kids lost their homes. It is just so surreal. I loved your comment in the beginning though and totally put a smile on my face. Glad to be able to remind all about their roots, lol 🙂
Kelly says
I know, it's hard to believe all that's happened 🙁
JanineHuldie says
Kelly, I still can't quite believe it even though it happened a week ago today.
Stephanie Sprenger says
Wow. That is incredible. I would never have even thought about the lines to fill up cars with gas. You guys have been through so much. I can't imagine how grateful you must be for your warm, lit-up home. Thanks for the reminder to make a donation! Be good to yourself!
JanineHuldie says
Thanks Stephanie and I would have never thought about that either except it seems to be a part of my life right now like it or not. Very happy to put the reminder out there and hope that others will do what they can to lend support!!
Michelle Liew says
My blessings to all. I hope that power is restored for everyone and that everyone is safe, and again, kudos to you, my friend for the help that you are always ready to give others. Thanks for sharing.
JanineHuldie says
Thanks Michelle and seriously just can't think of doing anything but, because I couldn't sit by doing nothing while others were without, it just wouldn't be right or fair.
Cyndi says
I hope life gets back to normal up there, soon. That poor girl. It puts things in perspective, too. I had no idea you had your parents in the same house! Wow!! You're awesome!
JanineHuldie says
Thanks Cyndi and have to admit love having my parents right upstairs, because they truly are the best and are so good to us. That said during the storm I was a big baby and wanted to be with them and was so thankful that I could, because damn at 35 I was just plain scared!! Not to proud to admit that. you are right about the young girl at the beauty salon and could not help but want to hug her and just make her pain go away, just so darn sad.
JanineHuldie says
Wow, thank you so much Michelle for your kind words and trust me I am no hero just an ordinary person who is doing what she has to and right for her family. I said it before, but I couldn't imagine it any other way. It is my pleasure 🙂
Melanie Chisnall says
Wow, these pictures and your words really paint the picture of what it was like and the damage left behind. I'm so glad you have power again and things are almost back to normal for you. It sounds like you had quite the party at your house…good to have family and friends around in those situations. Just smsed to the fund now. Every little bit helps as you say. This just shows how strong you are. Keep going my friend, you're doing great! 🙂
JanineHuldie says
Melanie thank you so much for your support and sending to the fund for those in need. I can't even begin to tell you how much that made my morning reading that first thing getting up. Every little bit truly helps and even a woman that Kevin works with lost her home and cars. She has always been so kind to us too by giving us hand me down clothes for my kids from her grandkids. Kevin was trying to figure out what to do for her and she mentioned her son who also lost everything, including clothes. So Kevin is going to donate a ton of clothes that he has to him. Thank you again and just can't say that enough 🙂
JanineHuldie says
Thank you so very much Eddy and I feel the same way about you too, especially with reading all your lovely and beautiful poetry. I am happy to share and just even happier others are wanting to get to know me here a bit better. And I am always sending back loads of love from New York to Wales to you, too 🙂 🙂