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| Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com |
My blog hiatus turned out to be much longer than expected, as I was stuck in Atlanta because of Hurricane Sandy. Considering the alternative (facing a raging hurricane in Brooklyn), I had no complaints about being on extended vacation in Atlanta. I hadn't been home since last Christmas and the visit was much needed. I was able to celebrate two very special occasions... my brother's graduation and my dad's birthday. My vacation was spent surrounded by family and friends, and I am so revitalized from my time at home.
But I find myself feeling guilty for having such a lovely time when my fellow New Yorkers were being hit by one of the worst storms that the Northeast has ever seen. I spent most of my vacation glued to the news, and it was very hard to see photos and videos of places I knew, places that now are barely recognizable because of the devastation. I was particularly overwhelmed with sadness when I saw the 110+ homes in Breezy Point, Queens that were ravaged by fire. I can't imagine losing my home, especially at this time of the year when the weather is turning bitter and the holidays are right around the corner.
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| Image courtesy of cnbc.com |
Many people across New York and New Jersey are still without power, water or heat. They are facing food, water and gas shortages. As much as FEMA and the state are scrambling to respond, there will still be many people who do not feel the reach of their help.
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| Image courtesy of upi.com |
If you do not live in New York, I come to you today to ask for something very simple... your prayers. In addition to your prayers, if you are in the position to donate, please do. The Red Cross is taking donations on their website or you can donate $10 by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. The donation will be added to your monthly phone bill. Donations can also be sent by mail to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
If you live in New York and have the means to volunteer, there are many places that need your help. Evacuation shelters in particular could use your assistance. Click here for a comprehensive list of ways you can volunteer.
Thank you for your prayers and donations! New York is one of the most resilient cities around and I have no doubt that we will pull through this much stronger than before!
The blog will be back to normal next week so stay tuned for more healthy recipes, music mixes and inspiring stories! Next week's guest contributor has a lot to say about fighting cancer and I promise you that her story will touch you in a special way!
Stay strong, New Yorkers!
You didn't mention if your home suffered damage so I'm hoping not. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteHi Mikki! Thanks for your note. I was very lucky and didn't have any storm damage at my apartment. My neighborhood was fairly unscathed, but many in Brooklyn are not so lucky. We went to help out in Red Hook today and the devastation is very sad. Many people are out of their homes because the buildings were condemned and other people's homes are flooded badly. Please keep these people in your prayers! Thank you, Mikki!
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