Counting My Blessings after Hurricane Sandy
Nov 3 2012 in Meryl's Blog by Meryl
This week we had Hurricane Sandy here.The winds were really extreme and I was so nervous with all the trees that are on my street as well as in front of my house. An 80-year-old tree in front of the house came crashing down but thankfully no one was hurt. I lost power for a day but that was nothing compared to seeing all the devastation on television. I stayed at my neighbor’s house that Monday night so that at least I wasn’t alone because it most certainly was very scary. I had a portable television that I was able to keep up on what was going on.
I have five friends who lost everything. They are homeless and now live with friends or family. My heart goes out to them.
Mom was frantic as our cell phones did not work very well and that was the only way we connect. Thankfully the nursing home had power the whole time. Dialysis had asked Mom to go in last Sunday instead of Monday and I was so proud of her because usually she argues about switching her days. I was able to finally see Mom on Wednesday after the storm was over. We were so happy to see each other and for the first time I am looking at the bond that my Mom and I have. Something that we never had before and with each day it gets stronger.
My brother called me a few days ago asking me if I had power. His house was flooded and he has no power still as of yesterday. He asked if he would be able to stay with me. As much as he hasn’t been there for me especially when I needed him when I was going through my nightmare and had no place to go, I can’t be that way with him. I told him he was welcome to stay by me but so far he hasn’t come or call.Today I am counting my blessings for what I have. Something that I have never done. There are so many people who lost so much this week.
My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Hugs to all…
roaringmouse said on November 3, 2012
Dear Meryl,
Thank you for your posting. I am so glad that you took the time to make sure your mom was safe and and that she did her dialysis ahead of time. It is a tiny detail that ..at least here in Georgia…they learned the hard way but have now incorporated that step into their EP plans. I have taken the liberty of sending your blog to contacts I am associated with at via FEMA who work specifically with the special needs populations.
My continued blessings for your safety
(and if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask!)
The Roaring Mouse
roaringmouse said on November 3, 2012
UPDATE: I just got a contact from a Center of Independent Living Director who has a list of opened dialysis centers if you need! RM
Meryl said on November 3, 2012
RM, thank you so much. I was more worried about Mom then I was myself.
As for the dialysis, Mom was told that if she couldn’t make it to dialysis for weather related issues that she would have to go to the hospital and have it there. The hospital is not that far from the house but Mom did not want to go there if she didn’t have to. Dialysis patients must have their dialysis otherwise they could die and Mom is starting to understand her condition more and what she needs to do.
Denise said on November 3, 2012
Hi Meryl–I’m so glad you and your mom are okay. We get an idea of the devastation from the news coverage but I’m sure what we see on TV isn’t as bad as what everyone has to deal with. Thank goodness the nursing home had power.
Have you been able to get to work okay?
Meryl said on November 3, 2012
Oh Denise, words cannot even say what is going on here in New York and New Jersey. We never get hurricanes here and I guess we aren’t prepared for a hurricane of this magnitude. I know that Hurricane Irene was bad last year but this one caused so much more damage and loss of life.
I went into the office Monday morning for a few hours and not sure if they lost power that night or Tuesday but it did not come back on until Thursday afternoon. I am within walking distance of my office which is about 15 minutes away but I was nervous about all the downed trees and hearing about power lines. Thankfully everything was ok.
Bette said on November 3, 2012
Hi Meryl,
So glad you are okay. And, I’m glad your mom had power and was able to get the Dialysis she needed.
You are very kind to your brother Meryl. So hard. He is very fortunate to have you. We definitely gain, from a perspective that allows us to move in the direction you are moving.
I hope this week-end is good for you and your mom. I’m sure it will take a bit to regain footing.
Thinking of you – thank you for your update.
Meryl said on November 3, 2012
Thank you Bette.
Communication was at a total standstill here and still in as far as cell phones and loss of power. Thankfully I did not have that long of a wait for it to go back on as many did and still do.
As for my brother, my first instinct was to say no because I was tired of being there for him and not getting anything in return but I can’t be like that. I believe in giving out what you want to get back but I have my limitations as well. He hasn’t acted on my saying he can come here and that’s fine. I did my job and feel good about myself.
Hope you have a great weekend as well ((hugs))
ejourneys said on November 4, 2012
Hi, Meryl — Thank goodness you and yours are okay. I’m a native New Yorker and am thankful to have connected with friends on Facebook, including those who are still without power.
In the midst of so much destruction, you have done and are doing what is right for you vis a vis your brother, and that is what’s important. Your mom did what was right for her by agreeing to early dialysis. That greater understanding and closer bond is a silver lining to a terrible storm. Heaven knows, we need all the silver linings we can get.
Good for you, and good for your mom. *Hugs*