It’s been one week since Hurricane Sandy ripped through my home state. We’re still without power in our home and much of the state is still under water and in the dark.
But it’s been one week, so people are starting to expect us to get back to business. The Husband is expected to return to work and I have deadlines looming, events scheduled and work to complete. The kids are missing school. I am missing work. We are all missing the train whistle and our grocery stores and of course, our power and heat. I see things on facebook and twitter that let me know my peers are back to work. In this house, we’re ready for back to normal.
But things aren’t normal.
We spent all day Sunday, still in Maryland, either buying supplies for ourselves-to live another week in a cold, dark house- or driving from home to home of our kind-hearted friends collecting warm coats, toiletries and baby goods to donate to the people in recovery in Jersey. Then I was supposed to come home and write about being gluten-free for two weeks or a new health-coach program from Johnson and Johnson and it just didn’t sit right with me.
I know things have to go back to business as usual soon. I’m just not there yet. I’ll spend most of our daylight hours in the next few days driving those collected supplies around Jersey. Then I’ll play some more UNO by candlelight with my bored, restless babies who I pray can stay warm enough in bed at night. Then we’ll get up and do it all over again. I’ll warm my hot water for instand coffee on the grill and thank God every morning that power is the only thing I’ve lost.
Eventually, I know I’ll meet my deadlines and get my work done. I’ll write about wellness and fitness and parenting and money again. But I’m also sure this blog will contain a fair amount of Sandy news, updates and recovery information. I’m also sure we here at The Right Hand Mom are taking a permanent turn toward advocacy. I’m seeing firsthand how important we all are to the welfare of our community. It’s time I use my voice for that more.
Now more than ever it’s important that I speak up about what we can do to make our world a better, safer place. Using my voice, not just for review and entertainment, but to make a difference- that is the new normal.
P.S. Looking for more parenting guidance and tips for self-care? Check out From Chaos to Calm a guided training to help you feel better in this tough season.
My bro is “down the street” from you outside of Long Island without power still too. Trying to keep himself, his mom, and his kidney failing grandma warm, sane, and fed. He’s starting to lose hope. It’s like an apocolypse in many areas and it sickens me that we aren’t shoring up care packages and foot soldiers more quickly. I know everyone is working hard but it is still hard to watch so many still suffer. You are right, when it comes to getting things done, you have to do it your damn self with help from your surrounding community. I’m so proud of your voice, your work and your big heart, CRK! Will be sending along things to addresses I see you post. xoxoxo
Thank you. Believe it or not there are so many people (FEMA, Troops, Nat. Guard, etc) here helping but the area hit is so damn big there are pockets that are feeling/being neglected except for the kindness of strangers. I’m so sorry for your brother. At least no one here is sick. Please let me know if there is anything in particular they need-we can send in our own types of troops!
And you do it so well
You are kind.;)
I honestly cannot imagine going this long without electricity – and in this weather too. You sound pretty optimistic considering what you are going thru, if you ask me!
Seriously, I know I’m a bit of a distance, but we have a lot of room and you are welcome to bring your kiddos and come hang out if you want.
And please know that while we ARE back to business as usual, we have NOT forgotten you and everything you folks in NY and NJ are going thru right now. xoxo
Thank you-for all of it, but mostly for not forgetting.