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| Rockaway Beach Blvd - One month post Sandy. PMCarlson2012 |
I don't even know where to begin. One year ago, we were faced with the unknown, only things we had practiced in drills and were taunted with Irene. One week I was training for the marathon and the next working marathon tours to help our devastated city. Time and again, our resilience was proven.
Personally, three things that got me through the most. First, the support of all of you and friends on social media. You checked in and sent out updates. You passed along the word of where and how to donate. You sent me music, jokes about hipsters and reminded me to sleep. More importantly, you asked "how can I help?"
From Australia, England, Scotland, TriBeCa, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Philly, Seattle, Albany, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and from runners, music lovers, and givers - thank you!! Jill P, you sent me this and I can't thank you enough. This is THE song that makes me so thankful and know how blessed I am. It was such a special performance from The Avett Brothers. http://www.metatube.com/en/videos/158499/The-Avett-Brothers-with-the-Brooklyn-Philharmonic-Perform-I-and-Love-and-You-On-JK-Live-show/
Second, music. Music was that blanket at 3am when I slept feet away from those working with the hospitals, my therapy on the subway to clear my head, and a much needed night of enjoyment at the 12-12-12 concert. So many artists from NY and NJ were impacted by this storm that music was the only thing they could offer to help. It was also these same musicians that weren't afraid to get their hands dirty. So many helped to rebuild, feed and visit those affected.
Third, okay you know this answer. Without my loving husband, I would not have gotten through this. Granted, we saw each other maybe three or four times in one month since he too was helping in the affected areas. But your encouragement was felt and without that, I would not have made it through.
One year, so many memories and lessons learned. It made me a stronger person, a harder worker and apt to slow down and enjoy the moment a little more. The final chapter of Sandy for me is almost here, as next week, I join 40,000 others to run the NYC Marathon. Maybe I had to earn the marathon, to really appreciate it. Well, I think I have and I am ready. See you out there New York City.
