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!!