My AUSome Trip

It’s monday night, 10:45 pm, and Hurricane Sandy is making its way through the east coast. Lower Manhattan is without power and flooding is a real issue. Low lying areas have been evacuated and we are lucky to still have power in Brooklyn. I’m home with my Mom and Dad and we are spending the day in appreciation for how well-off we’ve been so far and apprehension for what might come next. Thousands of trees have come down and the entire city is practically closed for at least through tomorrow, Tuesday. The wind is strong and the rain is constant.
Here are some thoughts circling my mind all day. Stay safe and be careful.

1. Being prepared matters. This storm has been predicted and warned about for about a week. This gave everyone a chance to take it seriously and prepare. We bought enough groceries and long-lasting food to last through December, filled up our car with gas, and bought flashlights with batteries.

2.Our dependence on technology is astounding. We couldn’t even find a radio in our house with proper batteries. I usually use the sticher radio app for streaming my radio stations and any radios we have in the house are connected to the electricity. I figured out that my 5th generation ipod mini has fm radio on it, so got that all charged up and ready to go if we have no other source of news. We’ve all charged our cell phones and are keeping a constant watch on the power and internet. So far so good.

3.Our creativity is boundless. With the freedom/prison of having everything cancelled for two days and being stuck in the house, we’ve all gone to do something creative and productive. So far, my mother has knitted two distinct items and is starting a third, my father has finished writing two sets of tfilin scrolls and I finished two paintings. We’ve organized closets and shelves, folded and hung up all the loose laundry. This is not to mention the creations coming out of the kitchen! Stir crazy= Stir fry.

4.Friends matter. Since the start of the storm, the calls and emails have been coming in from our friends all over the world, who are watching the storm unfold over the news. We are extremely lucky to be safe and with power and able to get in touch with everyone who is worried about us. Getting through to our friends is reassuring. We wish everyone well constantly, especially since the sirens I hear outside have been coming and going all day.

5. Our leaders matter. Since the start, there have been press releases, radio messages, phone calls and a barrage of tweets from every government official and office involved. The president, the governor, the mayor and all the agencies involved are doing a wonderful job of keeping everyone informed of the progress of the storm and available aid and services. Thank you to all the responders helping out those in need during this time.

Finally, I just want to say that my prayers are with anyone in duress, especially after hearing that some hospitals have lost their backup power. God bless you all and stay safe.

I’ll update as I can,
Lilach