To say that Superstorm Sandy was a challenge for those in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut is an understatement. In fact, I don’t think there’s a word or even a string of words that could ever properly describe it, and the idea that we will someday return to normal is just that. An idea. Because I don’t think any of us will ever be the same in her aftermath. However, there are a few things I learned since Sandy rolled in and out of here — but that aren’t meant to minimize the loss or devastation that so many felt. Instead, it’s more about new perspective and, in spite of bad times, trying to find the positive.
So, here are some of the things I learned from her:
When you think you have it bad, someone else has it worse. Plain and simple. And I tried remembering that when I complained about not having power for 11 days. There were people who had (and may still have) it tougher.
When you know you have it better, you have an opportunity to help. By lending a hand. Donating money, food or clothing. By offering a sympathetic ear.
Bad times really do bring out the best in people. The outreach I heard about on the news regarding people helping people who literally lost everything was amazing. Despite the darkness, they brought light. And not always figuratively.
No connectivity is a good thing. Having no cell phone, no Internet and no connectivity really quiets the mind and soul. We’re too obsessed with technology anyway. Same goes for tv.
There’s something to be said about seeing a night sky without any light pollution. I have to tell you, that first night after the storm when power was completely out everywhere was one of the clearest and starriest nights I can remember. It was breathtaking.
It gives you a new appreciation for how people used to live. Before we became creatures of comfort.
Having no power means you can talk to your family. And communicate. Because there’s no technology to take away our attention, we can actually listen to each other, too.
There you have it. If I can take away one more thing from this experience, it’s that I hope I can remember these lessons down the road when Superstorm Sandy is a distant memory, because you know she’ll never be truly forgotten.
Copyright © 2012 · All Rights Reserved · TerriPonce.com
Terri Herman-Ponce 
Yup–very similar thoughts to my own when we were w/out power in WV for ten days (some for 12) in the heat of summer. Here’s my post: http://heatherdaygilbert.blogspot.com/2012/07/derecho-rhymes-with-jericho-living.html. Things like that can bring out the best and the worst in each of us. Glad you have power now.
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Heather – I’ll swing by and check your website. It can be scary but it’s a great life lesson too.
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Great post! I especially liked the point that no power enables you to view a starry, unpolluted, evening sky. Reminds us to stop and enjoy the little things in life. And your point about living like our ancestors did. I’m a genealogist and I would actually get into living like that for a day, however, not for 11 days. Glad you were able to get a few positives out of your unfortunate situation. 🙂
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Thanks Eliza. I really do believe times were a lot simpler way back when, but a lot tougher too. And yes, a starry night is such a beautiful thing. I really do miss them. It’s one reason I follow the Dark Sky Initiative – though I don’t think that’s exactly the right name. They actually try to preserve dark sky in certain places in the United States.
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Good post, great points. Now if you can keep those observations with you, truly take them on board, you have become a better person.
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One can only hope. At least I do.
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Great, great, GREAT reminders. Hurricane Charley taught us similar lessons on the west coast of Florida.
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I can see why, Kitt. Hopefully we keep these lessons longer than the short term, because they truly are life long, I think.
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Now we just need to cross our fingers and hope nature agrees. 🙂
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Why aren’t you pouting and whining? Oh yeah, because you’re awesome. Good luck. We’re all rooting for you!
-R.T. Wolfe
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I’m not pouting and whining because I did all that already. Ask Left Brain. He’ll tell you. Lol
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