All of these definitions apply to Union Beach
The 3rd month of the year. . .tick tock (a lot of families are still waiting and waiting!)
A form of movement - this has been happening in Union Beach since the storm. Helping friends and neighbors to safety, feeding them, clothing them etc.
To walk steadily and rhythmically forward in step with others - with the help of donations and volunteers the town has managed to survive with the help of others.
To proceed directly and purposefully - I saw first hand how the town pulled together and walked for Hope. They wanted the world to know that a storm as devastating as Sandy is NOT going to stop their movement forward to rebuild this tight community. Their family.
The steady forward movement of a body - I saw families in the first week after the storm with vague far away expressions on their faces. Not knowing what happened and how to proceed. I saw mom's that couldn't feed their kids if it were not for the makeshift pantry in Borough Hall. Fathers that lost their cars - driving old, beat up borrowed cars of caring friends and family. Small steady movement to propel their feet forward so they can move through their day. Then another day into weeks that have turned into months.
Some days hope is hiding in Union Beach. Some days hope is out in the open in the sunshine. Some days hope is pushed back into the closet of fear when the news reports another storm is heading for the east coast. I know a family whose kids are afraid when they hear of bad weather approaching - they panic and start to gather their few belongings they are now starting to accumulate.
It did flood the end of February in town. Just a few feet. Doesn't matter how much because the towns people keep pushing forward to rebuild their homes, schools, places of business - their lives.
What if every town in the United States had this much hope? This much love?
God Bless Union Beach
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