Sir Edward & Lucky!!

Well my title of the post pretty much says it all. . .

Meet Lucky (left)  and Sir Edward!

 

 

 

I was volunteering in Union Beach for 2 weeks.  One day I noticed 2 dogs heading to lunch with their mom.   They are quiet, polite and did I mention quiet???   I was flabbergasted. . .funny word!! I could not believe how well behaved they were. How damn quiet they are and how they truly loved being with mom every day!!  They have been going to work with their mom since the hurricane.  They lost their home.  They lost their yard.  They lost everything that was familiar to them. 

 

I had actually forgotten about pets.  I have two wiener dogs (that we adopted.)  I never thought what happened to all the pets - furry, feathery etc. . .Since Hurricane Sandy turned children's and parents lives upside down.  What happened to the animals in town??  Lots of lucky animals were evacuated with their families.  Some pets were not as lucky for their families were totally blindsided with the water that entered the town and their homes. 

 

Working at Borough Hall since early November  I have noticed that lots of people have asked if there is dog and cat food available.  I asked them if they have pets. . . most do but there are some kind souls that are feeding the recently homeless pet population.  A piece of the puzzle that I had forgotten about.  Ones that are homeless not because they were uncared for, not because they were unloved, not because they were unworthy - just a huge wave that got in the way. 

 

Sir Edward and Lucky are in the "homeless" boat but they are  blessed to be with their family.  They get to go to work every day with their mom!  Their mom works in borough hall.  Sir Edward and Lucky get to nap by their moms desk each day!  They get to ride in the car each morning with their mom - on their way to work!  They ride home each day and spend their nights next to their moms blow up bed.  I'm not sure how they are coping with the HUGE change in living arrangements.  I'm not sure how they are dealing with a change of scenery at home.  I'm not sure how they are dealing with their new "normal" since the storm.

 

I told their mom how sweet and well behaved they are.  I told her my pups would be barking at each new person that arrived in borough hall - how my pups would be getting into trouble and not napping like her kids (yes kids.)  Some of us are blessed with 2 legged kids and some of us are truly blessed to have 4 legged kids.  Kids that never talk back to you.  Kids that never yell at you.  Kids that never complain - ever.  Kids that are always happy to see you no matter what!

 

There is really nothing like a sweet, warm kiss from a four legged angel!

 

 

 

 

 



You Don't Know Jack!

As with most days working in UB there are always new faces showing up.  One day around the holidays I walked over and asked one of the guys that works outside if he lived close and how did he make it through the hurricane.  I was surprised to find that he lived in Las Vegas and was taking a sebbatical from his job at a large casino.  He said he grew up close to UB in Allenhurst, NJ.  When he saw the pictures on the news and heard from friends back east how bad the storm was he knew he needed to be back east helping his friends and neighbors. 

This is the story I hear all of the time.  Someone is moved by a picture and has to go help - period.  In a way we are all extensions of Gods hands.  Some of us move towards money and powerful jobs. Some of us move towards families and raising good kids.  Some of us move towards pursuing our dreams in school.  Some of us fill our extra hours volunteering.  Funny how these very different people all have been through Borough Hall in a little town named Union Beach!  A very different mix of jobs and incomes.  Still one common thread that pulled us all together.  A terrible storm that devastated small communities up and down the East Coast.  We all felt that ache inside that said GO HELP. 

I am blessed to have met so many caring people that are helping others in need. 

Charlie

I showed up to Borough Hall election day November 6th.  That was 8 days after Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey.  My power was finally turned on 6 days after the storm.  So I set out to find Union Beach after I threw everything in my fridge and freezers in the garbage.  I find my way and park in the mud across from the police station side of the hall.  I noticed a man dressed warmly stopping traffic for people crossing.  He was wearing a heavy construction one piece coat/pants thingy and a hat.  He smiled at me as he let me cross.  I worked til late that night and noticed the man was still directing traffic in the dark.  No flashlight.

The second day I was in Union Beach I went to my car to get something and noticed the traffic guy was still helping people cross - he still had no flashlight and it was getting dark.  I asked him if he needed anything.  He said a flashlight!!  I went into the supplies area and asked if we had any flashlights. . . needless to say we did not.  Most of town was still without electricity.  Candles and flashlights were in high demand with the towns people.  I went up to an EMT and asked him if he knew where I could find a flashlight.  I was surprised to see him taking the one off of his chest that he used.  (this is how the whole town operates!)  I told him it was for the guy directing traffic and he said no problem.  I went out and met the awesome guy directing traffic and handed him the flashlight.  He said his name was Charlie.  I asked him if he lived in Union Beach - he said he grew up here but now lives in Aberdeen.  He was fighting back tears when he spoke of his town.  Wow!  Pulled back to town because of a terrible storm.  I found out he started directing traffic soon after the food and clothing donations stated showing up. 

As the days passed by there were really cold days when the guys working outside needed hats and gloves and then we had a few very mild days when everyone took off their coats and sweatshirts.  We had rain and snow. . . it didn't matter the weather because Charlie showed up.  Like a postman rain or shine!  He always had a hug for me and a big smile telling me about all of the awesome donations that were coming in.  Charlie directed traffic so people could cross the street safely, load their food and supplies into their cars and kept everyone safe when donations were being dropped off.  He didn't take weekends off like I did.  He pushed through each day to make sure everyone was safe.  I remember 10 days after I showed up he still had his flashlight that was given without being expected to be returned to that awesome EMT.  Charlie has some long hard days - especially when the tractor trailers came and had to be unloaded but he managed to keep drivers happy and pedestrians safe. 

I looked forward to his hugs and kind words.  I was touched by his strong connection to the town.  Everyone knew Charlie.  The guys that worked outside moving donations and supplies were like family that all joked with Charlie.  What an awesome guy - like sunshine on a cloudy day!!  Then one day about a month after the storm hit Union Beach Charlie wasn't there.  He had obligations at home and other jobs to get back to.  He told me that basketball was starting up and he looked forward to that each year - he was a coach. 

There are some awesome volunteers that work in Union Beach, NJ.   I am so happy to have met Charlie.   He always put a smile on my face!

 

Pre Christmas

I went to an awesome church service in Holmdel on December 23rd.  Carl Williamson is head pastor of a great church that is nestled into the woods off the parkway! (for those of you who don't know Carl he along with Gigi have help arrange all of the volunteers and donations for the Union Beach recovery in Borough Hall)   I arrived a little early with my husband.  We were welcomed by the members of this close knit community church.  I loved how family oriented it was.  Much like the ones my kids grew up in.  There was singing that lifted our spirits high.  With it being the holidays there are so many songs about Christmas (my favorite time of year!!) 

Carl delivered an awesome sermon about Jesus arriving in the middle of a "storm" so to speak.  Just like hurricane Sandy hit Union Beach - there can never be a good time for a huge devastating storm.  As he wove his words together I could feel tears running down my face.  It was such a freeing cry.  I could feel all of the hurt, anger, surprise and shock that the town felt when the storm hit.  I could feel letting go and healing begin in those few moments of tears.  We sang a few more uplifting worship songs and then headed towards tables of treats for fellowship time. 

The kids in the church were very excited because they were expecting a special visitor that day.   As the kids were visiting with Santa I visited with friends I have met in Union Beach.  We were all thankful for an awesome day and how blessed we all are to have Union Beach to bring us all together!

Almost Christmas??

Okay can someone please tell me how it jumped from the 10th to the 22nd?  I know we all have been busy working, volunteering and getting ready for Santa's big day!  In my house we have a birthday - my youngest, Hunter, had a birthday on the 21st.  He informed me I'm getting old because he turned 20.  20. 20. 20.  It still hasn't soaked in.  I still remember the day he was born.  That was a busy Christmas we got home Christmas Eve and still managed to have Christmas at home and at my parents house (30 family and friends.) 

I have been busy working since the 10th.  I helped wrap gifts with the R.A.I.N.E. Foundation 2 days this week so they could be delivered to the families before Christmas.  I met some awesome volunteers working 12 hours a day to help families in need!

I was also helping to serve food at Borough Hall then running to wrap gifts.  Such a fun time of the year.  I am that 12yr old that is excited for my gifts from Santa (yes I still believe) and sharing time with my family oh yeah and the great food.  My mom only baked cookies at Christmas.  They were awesome.


I celebrated Christmas with my kids on Wednesday night (12/20) when my oldest was home for 3 days.  Spencer arrived early Weds. morning.  We had a nice breakfast together and caught up on everything that had happened in the last month!  Then Spencer, Taylor and I headed to Union Beach to see what was goin on. 

I drove through town to check on my friends progress and to see the homes that had been demolished this week.  I know 2 families that homes are now piles of bricks, wood etc.  It's been a hard week for them.  They have warm places to stay for the holidays but their homes are no longer.  No longer located on front street.  Most of the homes were washed away - one is still in the marsh a football field away from it's foundation.  The families are beginning to  realize that they will have to rebuild and have to rely on the kindness of strangers to help them.   I know they will be ok because they have hope.

 

Ornaments

I arrived to day around noon. . . right in the middle of lunch.  They were still warming and preparing foods to serve.  Todays lunch was hot dogs, chili, beef soup, baked ziti w/ricotta, sausage and peppers and subs.  There is still an awesome amount of delicious food that is donated.  Donated by resturants, volunteers and neighbors of Union Beach.   

Sunday my family brought our Christmas decorations up from the basement.  I thought how many families don't have that luxury this year.  My daughter and I went shopping Saturday for containers to put decorations in to donate to UB families.  We went through all of our boxes.  We had a few trees to donate large and small that we collected over the years.  I always "save" Christmas ornaments from second hand stores and yard sales.  We had sooo many to share.  We combined old and new ornaments in the containers along with hooks and tinsel.  My van was filled to the brim. . . I really couldn't see out the back end! 

As the day went on families picked through boxes decorations for their trees.  Many shared how they lost all Christmas decorations in the basements, attics and garages.  They were gathering new memories for their trees.  New decorations for their doors and fences.  Christmas trains were donated that found new homes.  A Christmas village was donated last week.  A mom that lost her home started crying when she saw it.  She said it looked just like the one they used to have.

Today two of my favorite little people came to see me!  Mia and Aiden (they brought their mom) came to the pantry for supplies.  They had moved back to their home after weeks in a hotel.  They were living on the second floor and eating on the parents bed!  But they were happy to be home.  I asked them how they were and if they had a tree. Aiden said no.  We asked mom if I could take them to pick a small artificial tree and some ornaments.  We headed into the pantry.  They were excited to see trees taller than them.  They picked a 4ft silver tree.  We opened some of the shoe size boxes looking for ornaments.  The first one I opened was one my daughter had packed.  The carefully pick out some of hers and her brothers favorite kid ornaments to share.  Aiden was excited to see Alvin and the Chipmunks and Capt. Phoebus (Pocahontus movie ornament from McDonald's happy meal)  So Aiden wanted that box. We opened another box and Mia saw a strawberry ornament (my daughter loves them - it was hers from 20yrs ago when she was Mia's age)  Each box had boy and girl "stuff" in them - they were all plastic. I remember my kids when they were little would play with the ornaments all through the holiday so we put plastic bulbs on the lower half.  We still do!!  Their mom finished shopping for their home.  The kids and I played near a box of toys picking out something for each of them.  When it was time to go I got a hug and a kiss from Mia.  She is an angel.  Aiden said he wanted to go home and decorate.  They were going to put the tree in their room!     How exciting, just back in their home and a tree in their room! woohoo!!  I walked them to their car carrying their goodies with their mom.  I realized I had met their mom the first week I started volunteering and we have seen each other over the past 5 weeks.  Our friendship began from a terrible storm that tried to take their town away.  Now many weeks later I am blessed to have them in my life.  The kids call me Miss Joni.  I dream of them coming to my home and playing with my little weiner dogs!  I know this will happen for we are now a family.  I truly care for them.  They are like my own kids.  As we closed the trunk on their car I told their mom she could me if the storm hit elsewhere.  We hugged and kissed each other good bye with tears rolling down our cheeks.



Thank you God for guiding me to Union Beach. 

Don't Freak

Ok this is the second Thursday in a row that I have been told to slow down and chill out by the universe.  Last week it was a flat on my van this week I got the call every parent dreads. . .Mom I've been in an accident and then you hear crying.  Don't freak out - my daughter, Taylor is fine.  She was on her way home from Dunkin Donuts 4:30a-12p shift.  At 12:07pm she rear ended another car pushing it into a van.  No one was hurt.  Just a few minor things wrong with each vehicle.  Taylor's first (and last) accident in a car. Nothing major but if you remember your first time it's pretty freakin' scary. 

So with that said. . . I will not be in Union Beach on Friday.  I will miss you dear friends. . .see you on Monday.

I will leave you with an awesome video from Josh Groban!!

 

 

 

Keep moving!!

I can't tell you how much fun I have in Union Beach. . . my friends ask isn't it depressing seeing all the houses that have been destroyed?  Seeing the people all down and depressed?  I say no way!

 What I see is a town that has so much potential to come back from a devastating storm.  They are making steps towards rebuilding their homes and ultimately the town.  Mom's are still coming in for pantry items - things to put in their kids lunches and what not.  The sad faces are now smiling and have stories of recovery to share!  Now there are storage containers across the street that contain building material so there are cars and trucks lined up for supplies on a larger scale.  Homes are nearing the clean out and clear out and move on to rebuilding and restoring.  There are still families living with no heat.  There are still families living on their second floor with no kitchens or laundry machines. They are still managing to get up each day and move forward.  To make progress each day no matter how small it seems. 

We are still feeding quite a few people a day.  Along with the towns folk there are many many volunteers helping rebuild.  There is a huge crowd of awesome guys from Canada.  They are funny because 39' weather is warm for them!!  I love how they come in covered in mud and dirt!  They eat like teenage boys - bottomless pits!  I'm cooking lots of fried rice and saurkraut with kielbasa tonight for dinner tomorrow! 

I also have class tonight recovering 2 chairs that were damaged in the flooding after the hurricane.  Fun and games not really any learning just playing!  I must go buy fabric to finish them.  So I'm off!!

Sending love to my family and friends in Union Beach.  As usual I MISS YOU ALL!!

Katy Perry - Firework!!

 

 

Flat Tire

Thursday afternoon!!

 

 

Well I can take a hint. . . slow down and get your house in order.  I was on my way to the grocery store & meet my daughter for lunch when I heard a weird noise!!   I realized I had a FLAT!   Needless to say my next 2 days plans went out the window.  I put my car in the shop for tires and others little things to get ready to drive to UB next week!!   Woohoo

 

 

Miss you all in Union Beach. . . thinking of you all.  I sent prayers of love and peace.

 

 

 

Another great song. . . awesome words to live by - Let It Fade!!

 





 



Food and building supplies

Wednesday when I walked in to the pantry I was surprised to see so many different supplies.  There are more what I call "men" supplies.  Paint, drop cloths, outdoor tools etc.  I overheard there was going to be drywall available for families that were not covered by insurance to get their homes put back together.  Awesome idea because so many are in need of walls now that their homes have been torn down to the studs. 

There are still "mom" supplies - food, diapers and cleaning supplies.  I saw more families that I had seen in the previous weeks.  I found some have their homes ready to rebuild.  I did talk to a mom of 3 that is still living in a hotel because home was condemned.   She was picking up supplies for her kids lunches.  They have no way to cook so they are eating at friends homes but are still forced to eat out more than they would like to.  She had no idea when they would be back in their home.   I helped her get her supplies and hugged as she left.

We have had so many generous people and resturants donating food for the locals and volunteers.  When I arrived they were putting out lunch. . . someone had made 50 grilled cheese sandwiches!   Anthony's (Keansburg, NJ)  sent pizzas, pasta, roast beef and gravy and chicken parm!  Wow, I am blown away by the continued generousity of everyone!  I know the locals still rely on a hot meal that is served in borough hall.  The first week we were serving between 1200 and 1500 a day!  Now it is around 600 a day.  There are still lots of homes that have no heat or kitchen appliances (let alone a kitchen.) 

I met an awesome 20 something woman that is now homeless, carless and was not working for 3 weeks due to no power at her job.  She is living from paycheck to paycheck.  She was paying her bills, rent etc before the storm.  Now she is living with her ex-boyfriend - he lent her money to buy a car.  She has been forced to live in a difficult situation in order to survive.  I know she is working now but she has no way of re-couping her lost 3 weeks of wages.  She is an honest hard working woman doing the right thing and then a hurricane comes along and pushes her off her feet.  She is slowly gaining a solid ground but she feels like the problems are too large to overcome.  I told her she is not alone and that she must keep moving forward in order to rebuild her life.  As we shopped she said she no longer can be that carefree young woman that can go to dinner and hangout with her friends.  There is no money.  Let me tell you she does not want handouts - that is just temporary - she needs a hand-up.  As we hugged and said goodbye we both had tears in our eyes.  I realized she is my daughters age.  That could be my daughter or my 2 sons.  I quickly thank God that it is not.  She is now in my prayers for Union Beach.

It is time for us all to wake up and help each other.  I can not go to stores where people are throwing money away for Christmas gifts.  Gifts that mean nothing in the big picture.  I feel depressed when I am forced to drive by a mall.  All those misguided people thinking that gifts and things will make others happy.  How about love and kindness towards our fellow human beings. 

When you are decorating your Christmas tree this year, pray for others that don't have their family ornaments (they were washed away.)  When you are decorating your home and lawn, pray for those that will not have the luxury of a roof over their head.  When you are baking cookies remember there are thousands that were hit by the hurricane that will not have kitchens to bake their grandmothers recipes that have been passed down. . . most lost all those recipe cards with heirloom recipes. 

Be thankful for what you have.  Love your kids- tell them how much you love them.  Tell your spouse (even if you don't always get along) how blessed you are to be in each others lives.  Tell your friends thank you for being you. 

Remember what is really important this time of year - Love

Field Trip

Monday I went to Toms River, NJ instead of UB. I took a field trip to follow the vision center.  They needed help til their troops arrived on Tuesday!  So I was working the table outside helping people sign up for vision testing etc.  It was another chilly day in NJ  but we were busy with lots of patients!

I have not been down south since the hurricane hit NJ one month ago.  I talked with some of the locals to find out how they fared.  A mom with a 2 1/2 yr old stopped by on her was from work and school to get new glasses.  Her old ones were lost in the storm and she was wearing old back up glasses.  She was living in a hotel with her daughter and mom.  She said they were greatful to have a place to stay.  Their home was destroyed by the storm.  They will have many many months of rebuilding and waiting, waiting and waiting for help to get their lives back together. 

A husband and wife stopped by for glasses.  She lost her glasses and he had broken ones he was wearing.  They told how their home in Ortly Beach, NJ was flooded with 8 feet of water.  They only have access to their home every 3 days in order to keep the crowds down going onto the barrier island.  There is no power, gas or lights in their home or on the island.   The streets and beaches are patrolled by the National Guard - keeping looters away.  They have to start from scratch rebuilding their home once it is torn down.  We talked about how they are going to get through this. . . she said her husband beat cancer 3yrs ago - they will get through this.

A single woman came for help - she had something in her eye.  Many people are tearing their homes down and get stuff in their eyes.  She had a large piece of debris in her eye.  She was happy to be pain free and was sent away with drops!

I met a woman that had lost her job because of the storm.  She could not get to her job after the storm so she was let go.  I could see she was frustrated because she was not responsible for losing her car.  She did not ask the storm to flood her home and leave her homeless.  She did find out that she qualifies for a grant to go back to school. " Maybe I will be a physicians assistant!  I guess it was a blessing in disguise she said as she walked away." 

There is a pantry set up for food and supplies "The Peoples Pantry."  I love the local spirit - taking care of each other.  In the pantry there were clothes too - kind of a one stop for everything you need to survive after a hurricane. 

I saw 3 families that desperately needed glasses for their kids that had problems seeing the board in school.  Simple things we all forget.  Glasses for reading.  Four weeks without glasses for reading is a long time to a child that loves to read. 

I listened to their stories. . .the same stories that are heard in the hardest hit areas when Sandy visited the East Coast. 

As I drove home I peeked down streets to see peoples lives piled on the side of the road.  Piles of water logged things that had been collected over years and taken away in minutes.  These towns also know that things can be replaced.   

Like Union Beach their hope was watered down but not lost!  Their loving hearts have been bruised and battered like their homes but they have not lost sight of what is important - FAITH.  It is what keeps them going.

New Eyes

Spent another day volunteering at the vision center!  I saw many faces that were in shock the first week I was in UB.  This week they were smiling and in need of glasses.  Something you don't think about when you are 15 blocks from the water. . . all of the sudden the water is in your home and you run for the car with your kids and pets. 

I met the nicest man that was in line to get glasses and we asked if he lost glasses in the storm (he was wearing glasses) he said he was wearing his wives glasses.  They were sharing a single pair of glasses for 3 weeks!  That has gotta be love.  They took turns wearing them so the other could go to work, run errands etc.  Wow!!

My most favorite glasses story happened Friday afternoon.  I was approached by a young boy (8yrs) asked me if I remembered him!  He was excited and so filled with joy - Vincent told me his family was still living upstairs because his downstairs is torn up waiting to be rebuilt.  I did remember him and his little brother Charles - I met them and their awesome mom on my 3rd day in UB.  I helped carry their supplies to their car.  I gave and received hugs from them.  They gave me a special gift that day. 

Vincent told us that he had started school the Monday before and was having trouble seeing the board.  He had left his glasses in his old school and they got washed away and was there anyway we could give him new glasses before Monday!  I laughed and told him he told me 2 weeks ago that he didn't like to read - although I noticed the first day we met he was reading my t-shirt!  Vincent, his mom and brother when into the mobile vision center to have his eyes tested.  He came out smiling and said that it was not as bad as he thought it was going to be!  Twenty minutes after he came out of the center he was handed his new glasses.  He had the biggest smile on his face as he was thanking everyone for their help (this is a such a smart, sweet gentle soul professing his thankfulness!) and told us how he was looking forward to school on Monday even though it was in a different school with the same teacher.  About 2 minutes later Vincent ran back to the center to ask if his glasses are supposed to slip down his nose when he looked down. . . he went into the center to have his glasses adjusted! 

A lot of the towns people were wearing their "back up" glasses that were several years old.   Some were using their prescription sunglasses till they could get replacements.   We met some that have been wearing their 2 week contacts for more that 3 weeks. . . they were put in the front of the line to be seen by the doctor and given glasses after their exams.  Of course there were some prescriptions that had to be sent out with a 2 week turn around.  I was amazed by how many patients the doctor could accommodate each day.  What a blessing to have these professionals come and share their gifts to help each other.

 

 

Just a reminder that some of these families are still homeless. . . with the holidays upon us we can all make a difference.  It starts with one heart filled with LOVE!

How is it Friday??

I went to Thanksgiving dinner in Union Beach with my family - after we cooked and delivered 4 turkeys, green bean cassarole, pasta salad and sodas!!  It was such an awesome day!  We had the most beautiful table settings with china!!  There were volunteers that served the food as you walked along a line of heated trays filled with the yummiest food!!

There was any kind of dessert you could imagine.  I went for dessert first (something I started when my kids were young)  I had a coconut chocolate cookie bar!  Then proceeded to dinner.  There was turkey, ham, italian sausages in gravy, macaroni and cheese, baked ziti, turkey and stuffing rolls, asparagus, green beans 3 different ways, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, soups, salads, and lots of cold sandwiches to go!  I know I left out lots of goodies. . . needless to say no one went hungry! 

It was about 65 degrees when we were eating.  We sat at a table with kids that had come up with their parents from Maryland.  Their rental truck was full of warm coats, clothes and other goodies.  They helped serve and clean up too.  We met others that lived in town and traded hurricane stories as we enjoyed our dinner and dessert. Yes I had another dessert I shared a piece of pie with my daughter Taylor.  There were kids filling our drinks and clearing the tables.   It was awesome to see all the volunteers helping out. 

There were 3 guys that drove up from Florida to cook dinner for the town.  With the help of local resturants, stores and generous people the dinner was a huge success. My family helped clean up. We swapped stories all the way home! 

 

any kind of soda, juice or coffee

 

decked out with linen, china and beautiful centerpieces!

 

Thank you everyone that made Thanksgiving Day so wonderful!

(as usual I was so busy visiting with new friends and family that I did not take many pictures!)

Turkeys!!!

A quick post tonight. . . I'm cooking 4 turkeys for dinner tomorrow.  We found out this afternoon we can not cook in the school that the dinner was scheduled to be held.  Dinner will now be served outside and the food is being cooked by volunteers and an awesome resturant that is taking care of the bulk of the cooking.

I promise to post more tomorrow and add pictures of the awesome tables set for dinner!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Walking

Today started with volunteering close to home.  I delivered Meals On Wheels to my favorite senior citizens!  I love the people on my route. 

I got to Union Beach around 2pm.  Later than I usually arrive but I was going to stay later and restock.  I met more new volunteers.  Most of the local kids have gone back to school.  Moms volunteer during school so it gets sparse around 3pm til the afternoon help arrives. 

Today I drove a mom and her daughter home from the pantry.  They walked 15 blocks to get supplies.  I helped them shop for things they needed as we walked through the isles I found they had walked there and couldn't carry much.  I noticed the daughter was wearing pajamas and a light coat.  All she owned - they were heading to get clothes from a neighbor that has set up a makeshift clothes store on her front lawn.  We drove by were the clothes were set up on 2 front yards (all clean clothes hanging up)  I am still blown away by the kindness and generosity of this town. 

After I dropped them off I drove around town and took a few pictures.  I was up by the water.  I saw house foundations with no houses on them.  I saw 5 lots in a row with no homes on them. . . and I saw more trees with all the debris stuck in them - up to about 6 feet high.  Funny how someones life can get stuck in a tree.  I saw torn clothes, plastic grocery bags, lots of paper hanging from the trees.  Memories - trees of memories. 

I drove back towards Borough Hall.  I saw lots of parents waiting on corners for their kids that were bussed to nearby towns for school.  I saw parents smiling and talking to their neighbors.   Most of town is still uninhabitable.  It still looks like a war zone. 

Thank you God for giving this town the grace and peace to move forward.

I Refuse

This is a favorite song of mine.  I'm dedicating it to my friends in Union Beach.  I hope your day was warm like it was in High Bridge.

Miss you all!

Massage

I have so many stories stuck in my head that I forgot to share this one from my first week I volunteered.   On Thursday (11/8)  A woman walked in to Borough hall said she was a massage therapist.  She too had been hit by the storm.  She wanted to donate her time to help others (this is the same awesome story I hear each day!)   She brought her massage chair.  I know they led her to a room to set up.  Gigi was the first to get a massage.  I remember seeing her an hour later and thought she looked like a different woman!  I saw the lines of worry and strain relaxed.  She had color in her cheeks - energy was flowing through her again. 

I didn't see the massage therapist til early evening -  about 4 hours after she walked in the door.  I was struck by her kindness to others.  Her compassion towards strangers.  I know that day she helped pick up many volunteers that were struggling with their own loss and lack of sleep.  She showed up again that week. 

Thank you for your kindness to an awesome town!  Thank you for pushing forward on your path to help others.  That is what we are all here to do  - when we help others we are helping ourselves because we are all one.

Friday

I spent the morning with my son and headed down later than usual thinking I would help restock and clean before the huge Saturday rush in the pantry.  I arrived about 1pm.  It was another non stop day of donations in, sort, then shelve them.  I don't mind that but seems my reading and processing doesn't work as quickly as others so I try to just move the donations to the general area where they belong.  There are usually a few volunteers stocking on each isle.

I took over the paper towl, toilet paper area.  That meant I had to put 2 paper towel rolls in bags and separate toilet paper into 4 per bag.  This seems easy until you have people requesting them for supplies.  I was also next to the blankets, sheets, towels and sox.  Well then I was helping people find things and still supposed to be bagging the supplies.  At one point Neil and I were working together he was opening the bags ahead of time to we could just pick up the plastic grocery bags put paper products in them tie them and then shelve them.  We also had to separate the trash bags.  13gal, 30 gal, black trash bags and the huge contractor bags.  Contractor bags were in high demand because most of the town was ripping out their belongings and walls to get ready to rebuild.  I saw smiling faces as they talked about the progress on their homes.  I always try to ask how they are doing - listen to their stories and give them a hug before they leave.  It's a fantastic job to have!

As the evening progressed it got busy.  Busy with families that started back to school and work this week.  I saw two new families.  One a young mom with a 2 &3 yr old.  As we walked through the pantry gathering her supplies we talked about how she was feeling and what kind of living situiation her family has.  I was teary when she told me her son is now upset when dad leaves because he is afraid he will not come home again.  Rain will never be the same.  To him it will mean a hurricane is coming. 

Another family I met said they decided they were going to stay during the storm.  They stayed through Hurricane Irene the year before and didn't have any problems.  As they secured their home they were inside listening to the rain and wind when their youngest said the floor is wet.  His mom thought he had spilled his juice.  When she looked she could see the water rising from the floor - they knew the worse was coming.  They got out and found a hotel room.  They were safe from the water.  Safe from the winds.  They did not know how horrible it would be to return to their home.   The dad said it looked like his town was hit by bombs.  He would have been able to make sense it that had truly happened.  As we were standing in the dark loading their borrowed car (they lost 3 cars) the dad explained how he didn't know how they were ever going to recover.  I could hear the sorrow and and pain in his voice.  We were all choking back tears.  He spoke how they had no credit card debt before the storm.  How they now had days and days of hotel and food on the cards.  They had friends come from all over to help get their home habitable.  I'm thankful a neighbor told them they could "shop" at the pantry for most of their needs.  I hugged them and said please come back and see us.  As he was getting in the car he said they would be back because it would be easier.  The veil of embarrassment was removed and they were comfortable asking for help.

I worked until 9pm - I usually leave by 7pm after the traffic.  We closed our doors late.  The handful of volunteers left helped restock the shelves.  It was winding down quickly as we laughed and kidded with each other.  I was the only outsider left.  I'm still surprised by peoples reactions when they find I drive 2 hrs to volunteer.  I explain I was guided here to help that's all.

Another Day

First thing I hit the store to pick up supplies.  My cart was full of  clothes soap and dish soap.  I was asking the manager if they had more soap when the woman behind me wanted to know what I was doing with all of them?  I told her I was bringing them to Union Beach, NJ and how the town was hit hard by the hurricane.  She asked if she could buy them for me to donate.  I told her that would be awesome!  She got one of my free hugs.

When I arrived in UB I drove towards the water before I went to volunteer at the pantry.  I was surprised to see the huge pile that was one of  the dumping areas had been cleaned up.  The huge 25 foot pile was gone.  Everybodies things had been swept up and taken to the dump.

This is Spruce Street and 5th Street (11/14/12)

 

 

You can't see the street because of all the mud (11/7/12)

 





 

The streets were filled with lots of  trucks and vans.  Trucks to replace furnaces/heaters, electricians, and many many contractor vehicles.  The town is getting ready to rebuild.  Put their homes and lives back together.  I did notice that the piles in front of homes now consist of wood and drywall. 

 

 

I drove past 8th Street and saw a group of men eating lunch.  They were Menonite and Amish volunteers.  I stopped and asked if I could take their pictures - they didn't mind.  They were nice and polite.  I found out they were helping homeowners get ready for construction. 

 



 

 

It's amazing how many volunteers are in town.  I love how everyone is chipping in and working together helping strangers.  I know there will be many friendships made.  I have already met so many wonderful people.  I love the energy of this place!  I am so blessed to be able to spend time in this special town.

 





Food & Kids

I want to let you know how generous the people of Union Beach and the surrounding towns are.  Since the pantry opened a week and a half ago warm food has been showing up several times a day.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Subs from the local sub shops.  So many kinds of dishes from loving homes.  Pizza and lots of delicious pasta.  Today someone donated ziti with basil and capers (yummm.) 

I saw Tina today (the mom of 5 boys) she found a place to live!  It's a furnished 2 bedroom apartment.  She is thankful to have a place for the holidays! 

Vincent (9yrs)  and his brother Charles (4yrs) came in for supplies today with their mom.  They still live in their home. . . except they live upstairs.  Everything has to be replaced downstairs.   Electric is on in their home but they do not have heat, or kitchen appliances.   A cooler is their fridge.  This is the new normal. 

I saw new faces today.  Families still in need of food and supplies.  The makeshift pantry has grown in the week I have volunteered.  There are no longer blankets and socks available - you can get them at the clothes warehouse.  Today they couldn't keep dish and clothes soap on the shelves.  Cleaning supplies were in high demand. 

I'm tired today - emptied the trash outside so many times.  I was such a beautiful day about 70' in the sun. 

Thank you God for an awesome day!

My Day Off

 

 

What Faith Can Do - Kutless

 

 

It's Saturday.  I'm not in Union Beach.  I am taking it easy returning emails and having quiet time.  My daughter is working and my husband and son are out for a few hours. . . It's quiet.  I love it.  My pups are making cute sleeping weiner dog noises!

 

I heard this song on the radio and thought of my new home in UB.  This is for all of you that are working hard today getting your lives back in order.  See you Monday.

 

I miss you

Pile of Things

 

a pile of things

 

 

 

An outsider might see this picture and think that it is a town dump.  Just trash.  Old discarded things no one wants anymore.  That is not the case.  This is where whole contents of homes are piled after they were plowed down the street like snow.  After the pictures are taken for documentation it is time to begin the clean up.  Removing all the contents of your home (including the walls)  I saw piles 8 feet high on the curb of furniture, carpets, drywall and hundreds of large black trash bags. 

 

A lifetime of memories washed away in one night.  No more wedding pictures or pics of your kids in each stage of growing older.  Your grandmoms favorite jewelry box, the first piece of furniture you bought as a married couple,  your dishes that you ate on everyday with your family,  your diaries you have kept since you were a teen. . . all gone.  Now just a memory. 

 

It is not easy for anyone to just throw away their things.  Things they spent years working and saving for.  Things they played with. Things they drove to work.  Things they slept on. Things the sat on during a family cook out.  Things. . . things. . . things. 

 

Tina a mom of 5 boys lost everything.  She owns her home.  Ran 2 businesses out of it to provide for her family.  Tina and her boys were carving pumpkins and baking cookies the day the storm hit.  Getting ready for trick or treating in their town.  They did evacuate before the storm when the water was getting close to their front door (3+ feet high)   They shared a crowded hotel room w one bed along with her sister and her kids.  They are homeless.  Tina doesn't know where they will live. 

 

I met Tina the second day I was in Union Beach.  I was so excited to see her again on Friday. She looked like a different person.  Her hair was not in a pony tail.  She appeared more relaxed.  Tina looked younger than the first day I met her.  Tina in a word is beautiful.  She came so her kids could volunteer in the pantry and use the internet to look for a place to live.  Tina said school was opening Monday.  That will give her time to regroup and find a place to live.  She said the teachers checked on her family to make sure they were ok after Sandy.  Backpacks will be provided to the kids (a welcome donation to the school.)  They lost library books in the storm (something you don't think about.)  Her boys love to read.  What an awesome gift Tina has given her kids - reading. 

 

When Tina and her kids find a home she is going to send me pictures of her home to share with everyone.  So we can all see first hand what is no longer.  That has all been pushed down the street - in a huge pile of things that once were.  Things that were hard earned. 

 

THINGS.  This town understands that they are just things.  They understand that things can be replaced  and that  memories can never be taken from you. 

 

Tina brought her camera with her to start new memories for her boys. She took pictures of them volunteering.  Helping rebuild their community.

 



 

 



Day 2 in Union Beach, NJ

 

 

 

I was so happy this morning when I woke up.  As I layed there in bed saying my morning prayers and asking for protection over my family and home, my town. . . then I realized I was sending protection to my new (old) friends in Union Beach.  I then spread the protection across the United States and then around the world.  I always end by thanking God for all the abundance in my life (love, friends, family)

 

 

Ok so you say why do I call my new friends in UB my old friends?  Because they are.  I walk in to Borough Hall and they say good morning to me and call me by name.  (well I am wearing a name tag!)   I give and receive hugs and kisses from people that are people I've met in my life.  I see my 5 brothers in the guys close to my age.  I kid with them about silly stuff and we laugh.  Some of the women my age are my 2 sisters some serious like my older sister and some just. . . well my younger sister and I were always close and shared a room!  I see my favorite teacher from 9th grade, my best friends mom that used to give me the most beautiful hand-me-downs (I'm pretty sure lots of them were new)  I see my favorite principal.  The kids are me when I was younger and I totally get them because inside I'm still that 13 year old with freckles, big feet and  crooked front teeth.  It is a family.  A beautiful patchwork quilt of love. 

 

 

Today I said goodbye to Chris.  Chris is a firefighter from Georgia.  He saw the devastation on TV and knew he needed to help.  He loaded his trailer up - said goodbye to his wife and kids and headed north with his trailer stocked like a food pantry bringing everything he would need to cook for lots of people.  He first went to Staten Island and cooked then headed to the Toms River area before finding a home in Union Beach.  Chris was able to park his trailer in the corner of the police department which is also borough hall.  He cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I heard people raving about his sausage gravy, soups - actually everything he cooked.   I was struck by how he never tired even though he put in long days feeding so many hungry people.  Chris realized it was time to head home when his heater blew out in his trailer.  So he packed his trailer and headed home to Georgia with lots of new friends. 

 

 

I missed Michael today.  We sat at the front desk together my second day (I got promoted from trash duty!)   I laughed when I saw his name was Michael. . . when I need a sign from above I'm always sent a Michael, Mike or Bob.  (that's a whole other story)

 

 

I'm tired and must get some sleep to recharge so I can go have fun with my family!!

 

 

The Little Borough That Could

I saw a story about Union Beach, NJ when I googled storm damage from hurricane Sandy  New Jersey.  That was October 30th at McDonald's in Flemington, NJ.  We did not know the extent of the storm for quite a few days.  My family and I sat in the dark and bonded over silly word games.  We went to bed early and rose early.   My borough was without power for a week so we  would check email and charge phones @ the library.  Each day I would see a story or picture of Union Beach.   By the third day it hit my radar I knew I needed to go and volunteer. 

As I drove towards my destination I did not know what I was going to find.  I only new it was where I was supposed to be.  I found directions to Borough Hall hoping I could find where to go.  When I arrived there were cars everywhere.  I parked and walked toward the building and realized this was their makeshift food pantry along with where you could obtain information about FEMA, eat a hot meal and vote (it was election day 2012)  I saw men outside putting together metal shelving units.  I saw piles of boxes and trash waiting to be picked up. I saw people sitting on benches eating hot soup. I saw someone stopping traffic for pedestrians.  I saw cars, trucks and busses delivering donations.  I saw kids to seniors helping one another.  I saw people going to vote.  I saw smiling faces ready to help anyone in need.   

As I waited for a job I watched the tables of food, batteries, cleaning supplies etc.  turned into tall shelves covered with canned/dried foods, personal items, pet food, baby items, paper plates/cups and clean-up supplies.  It was very chaotic and still evolving into a food pantry.  In the eye of the storm I saw heroes that lost their homes, cars and businesses.  I call them heroes because they did not let their own loss stop them from helping others.  I don't think there was one home in the almost 2 square miles that was spared.  A wall of water over 5ft high rushed in late Monday night that pushed, shoved and soaked everything in its path.  The wind was blowing over 100mph when the storm hit land.  I heard people say the wind was between 120 and 150mph.  I just couldn't comprehend the speed. 

My first job was to empty the trash cans.  Funny because I don't do this at home it's my husband and sons job.  I emptied trash cans inside and out of the building with another volunteer.  We did not complain - we did what we were asked.  After that job I helped families pick out and carry their items that they needed.  Some needed to tell their story.  Others just wanted to pick up much needed food/supplies and leave.  I carried bags out to their cars.  Before they drove off I gave them a hug. 

The day was long and filled with many jobs.  I made so many new friends that first day - I knew I would return the next day.  

I am so blessed to be placed on the same path as these everyday heroes.  Heroes that you never read about because they are only following their hearts and doing what we were all placed on this planet to do LOVE ONE ANOTHER.