A Glimmer of Hope

To say the last two weeks have been busy would be an understatement. On top of a test I studied almost 3 months for, many members of my family-to-be came to visit last weekend and then of course, Hurricane Sandy happened. As much much as I am glad the test is over and having the family here was a blast, it is good to sit down and start writing again.

After all of the family left, I still had thoughts of Noah and Luca running down leaf-covered trails while Stacey walked and I carried Adi on my back. However, my computer was quick to interrupt my thoughts of the Hurricane to come, new flashes and even videos all saying “this is going to be a superstorm”. Over the next few days people certainly looked more stressed out and after the hurricane hit, there were even reports of fights over gasoline and looting of people’s houses. Being in Staten Island, there were many power lines down and trees knocked over, but Stacey and I went on with our life as much as possible. Considering we had no heat or hot water, eating dinner by candlelight was a necessity and taking a bath was certainly an experience. I won’t lie, after 48 hours without any heat or power and large quantities of food starting to go bad, stress was slowly creeping into my mind. The following morning I heard of a few places on the island had power and were beginning to open.

So I went to the coffee shop, Beans and Leaves

To walk into Beans and Leaves, with every table full of people talking and laughing, to have amazing smells coming from the counter, and for it to be WARM was all-at-once, a mood-elevating moment. A smile came across my face as I walked up to the counter and quickly ordered a house coffee and croissant and sat down at open table. As I sat and listened to people talk, I realized that Manhattan, New Jersey, and even other parts of Staten Island had been affected much worse. It was a very humbling feeling that let me see slight glimmer of hope in the whole ordeal. Around me at every seat were people who had lost a lot, some everything, and they were all in positive spirits. They were laughing, sharing pastries, even reading the same New York Times articles together. I then heard another group talking about how they were organizing food and clothing drives and had a shelter ready as well.

So after a few conversations and snack-buying sessions, I packed up and headed home. As I was walking through the leaves, I thought about how hope can rise from something so small; how right now people are organizing, taking donations, and providing food. I hope everyone who reads this is safe, healthy, and warm. But even if you are not (still TONS of people without water, power, or heat), have at least a glimmer of hope. Help is on the way.

What has given you hope recently?