Taking off for a week to visit South Jersey was a needed break from the trauma of "superstorm" Sandy. In my lifetime, there hasn't been anything more disruptive to life than this hurricane. Being without electricity and heat was nothing compared to the loss of life and destruction of homes experienced by others throughout New Jersey and the Northeast US. When I say it was traumatic, I'm talking about the sudden realization that the future will be nothing like we previously experienced and that things will not soon return to "normal". In all my 60 plus years, I have seldom experienced such a sense of loss. Anyone who denies the existence of climate change is not facing reality. Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey, recently made the comment that things won't return to "normal", and that life would be different.
Arriving in Atlantic County a week ago, I really didn't know what I would find. The media fed us a continuous stream of destruction and loss, but to actually travel along the Jersey Shore was something I wanted to experience for myself. Meg and I had made plans to vacation in South Jersey weeks before the storm. We are staying at the Marriott Fairway Villas, a place we have come to treat as our second home. We were always happy here, so we looked forward to being in a familiar and inviting setting. We were relieved to find that the Galloway resort sustained little damage and that everything was in order. There are no gasoline lines here and rationing was never imposed, unlike the northern counties.
On Sunday, we took our first drive to Atlantic City since the storm. I had seen photos and videos of devastation on the news, so I already knew that things would be worse here than in Galloway. Almost two weeks after the storm, and there were still no lights along New Hampshire Avenue, the section of the city that faced the teeth of Sandy. I turned up Maine Avenue, which was covered with sand and debris. The sand stood in drifts along the street and covered remnants of the boardwalk that had been washed out to sea. We drove throughout the Inlet neighborhood and witnessed piles of ruined household goods and furniture piled high in front of dark and devastated homes. Frustration was etched into the faces of the residents, who continue to clear out their ravaged homes. We passed the Flagship Resort, where we have spent many a happy weekend, only to realize that we would not be returning anytime soon.
However, just a mile away, the casino areas were already cleaned up and power had been restored. It was business as usual for this commercial section of town. I am saddened to realize that residents of Atlantic City don't have the same clout as the mega-million-dollar corporations. The temperatures have dropped this week and my prayers go out to those who are struggling to stay warm. It's a week before Thanksgiving and I consider myself very fortunate to have been spared the ravages of Sandy. With so many individuals and families without a place to live in safety, Meg and I can return to the enjoyment of our home.
Witnessing the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has changed me. I am grateful for every minute of life and the ability to enjoy the benefits of having a safe, comfortable home. I can no longer take things for granted. I also realize that everyone on planet Earth is connected...we are brothers and sisters of a merciful father. How can we turn our backs on those suffering with disaster and not feel obliged to help? Prayers certainly help, as do contributions to organizations like the Red Cross. But, I have been changed in a more beneficial way. I have a renewed attitude of gratitude and love for each and every minute of life and for all of God's creations. Let us all spread the love!
Blessings,
Alfred Voto, M.Msc.
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