tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post809393618444623256..comments2023-10-24T04:46:01.468-05:00Comments on New Orleans Slate: Unsolicited Advice to the Northeast in the Aftermath--Now Relevant to South Carolina's Flood VictimsSam Jasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15609640045088229908noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-74897664907346113892015-11-14T16:09:47.788-06:002015-11-14T16:09:47.788-06:00Again, thank you all so very much. Moe, your words...Again, thank you all so very much. Moe, your words brought tears to my eyes. We here in New Orleans ten years later realize that 2005 changed us permanently. The children born on rooftops waiting for help are now in fourth grade. Astonishing. For newcomers to our city, the Flood is not something they can relate to and I think often they don't understand the permanent scars we carry. You will get through it, albeit not the same as you were before. That said, the person you are now and will be in the future is far stronger than you ever imagined. Know that. Sam Jasperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15609640045088229908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-13711997751577729582015-11-14T08:49:19.407-06:002015-11-14T08:49:19.407-06:00Dear Sam, I want you to know that your prophetic a...Dear Sam, I want you to know that your prophetic article was one of the few things to get me through what I can only describe as the apocoplyse that was Sandy. It's been three years now. I've been frantically searching for this post over the past year. This past March, I was finally diagnosed with PTSD from Sandy. It's been a horrible road clawing my way back from hell to a fraction of the human being I was before the storm hit... I just wanted to say thank you, and I love you. Your words have resonated in my soul. Your words were the only thing that validated me as, day by day, I drifted further away from my former self. You will forever be my angel. Xo Moe Moe Meltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08573444667643231745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-31789302086120753092015-04-23T08:52:05.531-05:002015-04-23T08:52:05.531-05:00I just saw this and it is now 2 1/2 years after Sa...I just saw this and it is now 2 1/2 years after Sandy and I am still not home and I had flood insurance and had significant structural and foundation and damage and was denied with no basis by my insurance company because they said that damage was caused by land subsidence and earth movement and not by the storm surge. I had 6 feet of water in my home and everything was destroyed and they tell me that it was caused by earth movement, are you kidding me! This has been happening to a large number of people on Long Island. I am working class just like most of the people that were hit by Sandy. I have weathered through all this and gone through savings, etc. due to this. I take care of my elderly mother and like you said in the story it hit the elderly very hard. She has been through a lot in her life and was a widow at a young age with two young children but this has been very difficult for her and the insurance companies just made it so much harder than it had to be. However, we have weathered worse in our life and will keep moving forward like we have for the past 2 1/2 years. Thank God for family otherwise we would have no place to live. God bless you for voicing what a lot of us feel. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-83220055913258266462013-04-12T02:50:07.977-05:002013-04-12T02:50:07.977-05:00Great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wan...Great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.<br />chiropractors new jerseyhttp://www.totalbodynj.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-19097302334866036182013-02-13T20:16:02.288-06:002013-02-13T20:16:02.288-06:00Thank you! My tears started to fall as I started t...Thank you! My tears started to fall as I started to read about, "the little ones". My family has been hit hard by Sandy, and we lost everything. I have to say .....the hardest part is seeing your childrens world being turned upside down. I've watched my precious 5yr old little man regress daily, his anger is apparent. I find myself neglecting my 2 teenagers, my husband and myself because my heart is so heavy. I have learned patience, strength & understanding in a way I never thought I was capable of. <br />Julia Geigernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-775342091489484512013-02-07T09:43:23.492-06:002013-02-07T09:43:23.492-06:00Oh my gosh, thank you so much for writing this, an...Oh my gosh, thank you so much for writing this, and letting me cry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-41379233056993022092013-01-23T11:36:55.872-06:002013-01-23T11:36:55.872-06:00I was just sitting here at my desk after being tol...I was just sitting here at my desk after being told, 3 months after the storm, that our condo's insurance claim will most likely not be settled for another 2 months, and after the SBA loan officer who was handling my claim has been out on emergency leave, with my file left to collect dust on her desk while I've been somewhat patiently and mostly optimisticly waiting for money to rebuild my home. Then I came across your blog, and I cried again, even harder this time, because someone out there understands. It's as if you gave me a huge, warm, comforting bear hug just when I needed it most. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. Donna of Oceansidenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-85998139788144524542013-01-19T23:06:29.501-06:002013-01-19T23:06:29.501-06:00You NAILED IT. This story is going viral on FB bec...You NAILED IT. This story is going viral on FB because you captured EVERY SINGLE EMOTION AND EVENT that is going on now. 11 weeks, still 7000 homes without power in the Rockaways. Still no heat or hot water. 30-40% of houses abandoned, empty or inhabitable. Outrageous numbers for urbanites in a prosperous city. Thank you and God bless you Sam. oxoxoxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-35970992931181318202013-01-19T10:56:45.507-06:002013-01-19T10:56:45.507-06:00Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I live on the...Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I live on the Rockaway peninsula. It's sad to see other Rockawayites splintering into "Us vs. them" ( "Far Rockaway versus Breezy Point"). it is unproductive and unfair. there is not a person living in this area who did not suffer a loss, albeit some more than others<br />. Your words help keep perspective. We are experiencing the frustrations of ineffective & ignorant politicians. We see our coastlines ( ocean and bay) completely open to the forces of nature without any indication that real action will address this vulnerability for some time, probably years. In the meantime, we are trying to be strong. You are right, we are proud. We welcome any other advice you have!!We do not need to reinvent the wheel. Share your experiences!! Thank you!Laura J. from Rockawaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-31356987861347949902013-01-17T20:45:48.663-06:002013-01-17T20:45:48.663-06:00Thank you so much for your beautiful writing. We a...Thank you so much for your beautiful writing. We are on Staten Island and our home was hit and we also lost our business. We kept saying..."No thank you, theres other people worse than us. We're fine". But you know what? As Thanksgiving went by and we were cleaning things out and still didnt have heat, and Hanukkah and Christmas went by and we were de molding we realized we werent okay and still arent. Your used to helping and now you are the one who needs help. The things you cry over now.. someone handing you a cup of hot coffee, someone handing you a hot meal, someone handing you a box of toiletries and cleaning supplies. And you are right..there is no help from the government, the insurance companies, not even FEMA. You have to fight to get food stamps, unemployment, any type of loan. You have to beg them for a scrap of food. But the people surrounding you are amazing. Your friends, neighbors, family and even strangers- most of them turn into angels. So I thank you very much for being my little angel tonight. I needed to hear your story. I needed to cry for you and also to be able to cry for us. Cindy PlissnerCindy Plissnernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-74726744903047515702012-12-15T19:44:21.754-06:002012-12-15T19:44:21.754-06:00I can't thank you enough for putting into word...I can't thank you enough for putting into words what all of us are feeling every day.. I was lucky enough to be part of a beach bungalow community called Camp Osborn.. we have gotten a lot of press and pictures of our burning homes and have become one of the popular images of press articles, fundraisers, etc almost the poster child of Sandy. We were just north of Seaside Heights and on a clear day could view the iconic coaster now floating in the ocean.. This place, this little 500 square foot home was my heart my life my everything ...these homes were in peoples families for generations they were put together with scrap wood and middle class hard working hands that gave up alot to give their family a little piece of Jersey Shore heaven... we worry now that we will never get back what we had we don't want gigantic homes or condos or our land being forced into eminent domain but we are still awaiting our fate and everyday becomes harder and harder.. being a Jersey Girl I don't do well with being patient i want to see progress yesterday and i know I can't and will be forced to wait to government to decides our fate... but we have to hope as a community of 100 plus houses lost that we will come together and make it through and live the Jersey Strong mantra... My heart was heavy when I watched the devastation during Katrina but now living it myself I can't put into words what this difficult time has been what i can say is that i read your blog whenever i need clarity to our situation I am thankful that others are feeling what we are feeling and I can only look towards a future a different future but a future just the same... thank you for sharing your story and thanks for reading ours... I thankyou for your words I and many others are reading them with hope for future progress. It helps more then you know hope you all have a happy holidays...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-58670468696021608952012-12-03T16:25:20.354-06:002012-12-03T16:25:20.354-06:00Thank You Sam
Thank You Jimmy....for being our P...Thank You Sam<br />Thank You Jimmy....for being our PIT BULL!! <br />Advice well taken. Here I found this great insight into how others feel. Yes,we will get through all of this somehow. We lost our home, the contents inside and our vehichles. But we did not lose our souls. <br />To all of our Military, our neighbors, strangers from around the states who came to our aid and assisted in supporting us all THANK YOU... and GOD BLESS YOU!<br />In the end, life is about helpng others, something I need to do more of. I learned the other day a phrase "PUSH FORWARD"<br />I asked what that meant. They explained when someone does good to you...You Push Forward to helping someone else. <br />I have since then each day, try to Push Forward. Maybe it is part of my healing process, I dont know, but I do believe that you Sam, pushed forward.....because here we all are reading the words that you have written to us, and taking it all in. It helps.<br />Thank You. <br />Happy Holidays to AllAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-72790388238259568112012-11-29T10:16:35.997-06:002012-11-29T10:16:35.997-06:00The most incredibly beautiful, and HONEST writing ...The most incredibly beautiful, and HONEST writing I have read on the disaster that much of the country is already moving away from. This touches those who read it. I am so sad that it can't reach many who would benefit from your shared experience. In the Rockaways, many are living in homes with no heat, no power, definitely no internet, and mold growing up the walls. This is a month in, and they have been all but forgotten. I read your unsolicited advice, and have dealt with some of the emotions you describe, myself, and I am just in there trying to help. Yesterday, I saw your advice regarding the elderly first hand. I am writing to solicit advice from you, if you are willing. My feeling is that it could be invaluable! Please email me TheLOGIEProject@gmail.com Thank you, and God Bless us all! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-38653519122946128842012-11-23T21:41:15.902-06:002012-11-23T21:41:15.902-06:00So well written. While I live in NJ, for me it wa...So well written. While I live in NJ, for me it wan't Sandy but Irene We were among the few who had tremendous damage from that storm and you've captured it exactly. As horrible as that was, seeing it all over again through Sandy was almost worse - it's only been a year and nothing has healed, not my house and certainly not my children. And you do find yourself saying the words 'oh, we don't have that anymore' - a lot. It moved me to tears - thank you for sharing.Debbienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-79811441243085360932012-11-16T23:19:12.896-06:002012-11-16T23:19:12.896-06:00Dear America,
We are the REAL New Jersey. We are...Dear America, <br /><br />We are the REAL New Jersey. We are NOT the cast of MTV's Jersey Shore or Jerseylicious or the "Real Housewives" of New Jersey. We are hard-working people who happen to live in a beautiful state that is often the butt of biased comedians' jokes. But that is because they don't know us; they only know the stereotyped Jerseyite. <br /><br />We are educated. We are resilient. We take great pride in our state. Our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were immigrants who worked in refineries, docks and train stations. We are the sons and daughters of blue collar workers that allowed (by hard work , sacrifice, and sweat) New York City's economic development to occur. We are the grandchildren and children of police officers, teachers, railroad workers and firefighters. <br /><br />We also take amazing pride in our homes. Why? Because we have worked many jobs to afford them in a state that is very expensive to live in due to our resources. You see, others save up to visit here; we have to work that much harder to live here. Yet, we relish our mountains, we enjoy being near forests and streams, and our New Jersey Coastline is the most amazing natural site. Though a cliché, our backyards are the vacation spots for other people. From Keansburg Amusement Park to Atlantic City, we offer a plethora of experiences enhanced by the majestic and natural beauty of our beaches and the friendly demeanor of our people. <br /><br />And when our backs are up against the wall, we will come together and work toward a common goal. So pray for us, assist us if you feel inclined to with donations….and then WATCH US as we get through this difficult challenge victoriously, We will be ready to serve frozen custard, funnel cake and salt water taffy with the sounds of: the Seaside Park Roller Coaster, Atlantic City Casino's, Bon Jovi playing at Asbury Park, screams from Runaway Rapids in Keansburg, horse and buggy rides in Cape May, the yelling kids on the Himalaya at Point Pleasant or the sound of Jetskis roaring off the water in Sandy Hook and Belmar in the background. <br /><br />We are New Jersey…and we will get through this with our diligence and the Grace of God.<br /> ~ R. Heitmann<br /> November 1, 2012<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCTb2BpK7BIAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-62647595247467526982012-11-16T14:22:18.611-06:002012-11-16T14:22:18.611-06:00Awesome!!!!! it's very cold and we need hats ...Awesome!!!!! it's very cold and we need hats and scared made with love is best Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-50432647721523309752012-11-16T10:18:27.060-06:002012-11-16T10:18:27.060-06:00Tomorrow morning I will be in Lavallette, NJ, 1 mi...Tomorrow morning I will be in Lavallette, NJ, 1 mile north of Seaside and 3 miles south of Mantoloking. I will be helping my 92 year old grandmother go through the shattered pieces of my childhood and removing waterlogged furniture and sheetrock. Your words could not have been kinder or better timed. Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-69386310661482853042012-11-16T09:21:59.972-06:002012-11-16T09:21:59.972-06:00I am from Jersey, still go back every summer, fami...I am from Jersey, still go back every summer, family still living at the shore. They are devastated and I am for them as well. This made me cry and I will send to my sister. Thank you for taking the time to put all your thoughts into words.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-20365470127219357012012-11-16T08:19:57.568-06:002012-11-16T08:19:57.568-06:00Thank you Sam for your heartfelt words and wisdom....Thank you Sam for your heartfelt words and wisdom. It helps to share with those that have gone through this before us.<br /><br />Long Beach, NYAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-51153677536876551252012-11-16T07:04:40.589-06:002012-11-16T07:04:40.589-06:00A friend shared this blog on Facebook...which I di...A friend shared this blog on Facebook...which I did too. Then I shared the original with other friends.<br /><br />Your words ring of experience, truth, sorrow, compassion, and most importantly hope. As a northern NJ resident who went through severe flooding/loss with Hurricanes Floyd and Irene - I kept trying to find words to define the "I get it" I was feeling when listening to fellow Jersey folk dealing with Sandy. I was trying to figure out how to share advice without sounding dismissive or preachy. You nailed it and your words are doing what I tried to do with less success. <br /><br />The state of NJ is battered and bruised in ways only survivors of Katrina can understand. We appreciate your words of wisdom and heartfelt support. It is not only money and physical donations our people need - it is the emotional bandages, the sending of positive energy and hope, the permission to mourn/cry/scream/get frustrated. Your blog is such a donation...and is appreciated.<br /><br />Our state may be in ruins..but as Springsteen said we will rise up. We are Jersey strong.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-16166463900767998122012-11-16T05:13:51.336-06:002012-11-16T05:13:51.336-06:00So many wise words. I am from Oceanport NJ. Not q...So many wise words. I am from Oceanport NJ. Not quite a waterfront home...if I stood on my second story roof, and people cut down their trees, I'd have a view of the Shrewsbury River. Sandy brought that river 3 1/2 feet into my lower level. <br /><br />My gallows humor has helped immensely. Having lost my husband 3 months ago, and my job the week before the storm destroyed half my home, I've said all I need is a truck and a dog and I could be the subject of a country western song.<br /><br />The tears didn't make sense until I read this. Tears of anger, frustration (I'm 58-when did I stop being strong enough to rip out my own sheet rock?) tears of loss. Doing this mostly on my own SUCKS. Why the hell do the contractors say it will cost $93K to rebuild and my flood insurance will give me $39K? Why is no one in my family a lawyer or a carpenter??? <br /><br />So far, I've received three "survivor guilt" gifts-a card from a cousin with $50. A candle for stress relief from someone from my church. And an offer from an old friend to take my son out shopping to replace some clothes. What I learned after my husband died is that people have to be taught what to say to help. It's not "let me know what you need" because, hell, I'm a Jersey Girl...I can do this all on my own(Ha). It's "I'm off tomorrow-put me to work" that is so helpful. You have time? Throw away all the food that's sitting in my fridge from not having power. Take my muddy clothes to your home and wash them. Try and save some of my photos/kids school art/yearbooks. Or take me out to eat something not flat, round and covered in red sauce.<br /><br />I'm sorry I didn't have more compassion when Katrina hit. Karma's a bitch they say and maybe it's coming back to smack me around a little for not doing more than making a token contribution seven years ago. But we will survive and we will pay it forward for everything we learn from this experience. <br /><br />Be well Sam, and thank you again.Barbara By The Bookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14268628470059302104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-3372230237020509792012-11-15T22:06:41.211-06:002012-11-15T22:06:41.211-06:00I was a stranger in a strange land August 29, 2005...I was a stranger in a strange land August 29, 2005. Ironically, I was amongst friends in that same land October 29, 2012, as my homeland was preparing for a similar super storm. <br />Both times, I watched the cloud masses swirl in the atmosphere. Both times I felt fear for the duration of the storms.<br />I have been in harm's way and way out of the way of harm. Damage done - time to help, time to heal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-52886996453282953792012-11-15T19:00:00.099-06:002012-11-15T19:00:00.099-06:00Greetings from Sea Bright, NJ
Wow! You hit sooo ...Greetings from Sea Bright, NJ<br /><br />Wow! You hit sooo many nails on the head. Written with a complete and true understanding.<br /><br />Thank you for putting this in writing.....<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09417239180393518962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-39933969571101520862012-11-15T15:27:05.975-06:002012-11-15T15:27:05.975-06:00Invictus
William Ernest Henley
Out of the night t...Invictus<br />William Ernest Henley<br /><br />Out of the night that covers me,<br />Black as the Pit from pole to pole,<br />I thank whatever gods may be<br />For my unconquerable soul.<br /><br />In the fell clutch of circumstance<br />I have not winced nor cried aloud.<br />Under the bludgeonings of chance<br />My head is bloody, but unbowed.<br /><br />Beyond this place of wrath and tears<br />Looms but the Horror of the shade,<br />And yet the menace of the years<br />Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.<br /><br />It matters not how strait the gate,<br />How charged with punishments the <br />scroll,<br />I am the master of my fate:<br />I am the captain of my soul.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24843854.post-24168319103220784252012-11-15T13:11:03.580-06:002012-11-15T13:11:03.580-06:00We know the tears you'll shed as your kids'...We know the tears you'll shed as your kids' yearbooks and baby pictures are gone forever. We understand your toughness, your determination to rebuild, your compassion for your neighbors and your statements about your family being fine and your losses were “only stuff.” Those words made me feel like I wasn't a lone, Thank you from Lindenhurst Long IslandLisanoreply@blogger.com