For the first time since the storm I took my camera with me.
the gulls watch over the scene
there used to be a building attached to that ramp
boats have been pushed up onto the front lawns of private homes that were once separated from the marina by a fence
I've been told that some of these restaurant chairs have been found across town
I stopped at what is left of a favorite restaurant.
That bit of fence you see standing is all there is of the railway that led to the terrace dining area.
The owner of this restaurant has been travelling around town in a bus handing out food and supplies.
She is an exceptional person.
Star-Ledger made a video that can be Viewed Here
This house has been seen on just about every news broadcast and in every newspaper.
It amazes everyone that half of it is still standing.
The owner says she intends to re-build it.
She calls it her "Tara"
It took me from Sunday to today to take these shots off the camera and decide to share them. It felt ghoulish and depressing. I feel a deep sense of loss over the destruction of so many of the places I love yet I am so grateful that my home is OK.
When I went to the firehouse to drop off some supplies a woman told me she felt "survivor's guilt".
Someone else said that if you drive just two miles it is as if nothing happened and that feels surreal. He's right.
I promise you a happier post soon. I felt the need to share with you all how I'm feeling and what I'm seeing.
And on we go ...
24 comments:
I've seen a lot of pictures of the aftermath of 'Sandy'...but yours hit home more than almost anything I've seen.....The damage and devistation is truly shocking and it's not something that will go away tomorrow, so you can't get away from being reminded---everywhere----what has happened. It is understandable how and what you are feelimg, my dear Dianne, and I so appreciate you sharing it with me and all of us.
Frightening what havoc these storms can produce...!
(((((((HUGS))))))) to you and HOPE.
Well, now I am in tears, I watched the video and they just started to flow. I am so thankful that you and your family are OK but I look at your pictures and can't imagine going through what you all are going through and then I think of winter coming on. I worry. Thank you for sharing it. It looks like a war zone and the enemy is nature. When will we realize that our actions are what has caused this? "Hugs are free." Give her one from me. She reminds me that the world is full of wonderful, caring people..as do you. Hugs, jay
Dianne, I'm grateful that you shared this post because it was actually uplifting and touching to see how people come together in times of challenge and support one another.
AMAZING video clip. It brought tears to my eyes to see how this woman took her own challenges and used them to reach out and help others.
What beautiful soul she is.
Thank you for sharing this post, dear lady!
(((((( You )))))
Much X to you and the gang!
It is still horrifying and so incredibly heartbreaking to see how much damage there is -- still and knowing how much so many have lost, some forever!! My heart goes out to all of you!! Hugs to Hope and to you!
Oh it's all so sad. :(
Thank you for these! I'm sure it was difficult for you to see such destruction of old, familiar places. But I'm glad you were spared. Best wishes!
It is truly amazing what damage mother nature can inflict. I am glad that you survived with so little damage.
It's gonna take so long to recover. Not just the clean up and rebuilding, but the emotional recovery takes time too.
Jay
I haven't even watched the video yet, but your pictures have made me cry. I will watch it once I finish here.
Some things will never get rebuilt. I just hope for everyones sake the destroyed stuff gets torn down and hauled away. The longer it gets left in place, the more likely it is nothing will ever be done about it.
It's good to get real. Then move on. I'm in the process of my own "funk" and moving on myself. Had to seek professional help. But I believe it will all get better. For all of us.
Big hugs from Ohio,
I.
You're right about the photo with the t-shirts. Small details really bring horror into the realm of reality.
I'm so glad you and Hope are safe, but I can feel for the people who suffered from the devastation.
K
Survivor's guilt is a interesting phenomenon for sure.
So glad your home was spared. Be well.
I've seen my fair share of pictures of the destruction, but yours really hammers the chaos home. I can't help but feel terrible for all of the people affected. Being on the west coast, far removed from the east coast, I'm finding it difficult to comprehend what's happened over there. Can't thank you enough for posting these pictures. My heart continues to go out to everyone out there!
It is so much more meaningful to me when I know the person who has taken the photos and I get to know something of her feelings about this devastation. Thank you.
Oh my.. that woman and her people are angels. Such devastation .. such heartbreak. I ache for these folks but feel so grateful that it was not like this for you.
Anyone looking at these pictures, reading your words and who doesn't come away having been affected either in a large way or just a little, needs to make some adjustments and realize how, in the blink of an eye, things like this could happen to any of us! It's very heartening too though to read your words and that people have and are continuing to come together and pull for each other for the strength to survive this storm and many others that life often seems bound and determined to bring our way. Peace, Dianne and still giving thanks that your home came through this unscathed.
The havoc created by natural disasters is so hard to comprehend but your photos have sure brought it closest. Unbelievable. Thank you for sharing.
It didn't take much to make me cry..Uh..I need to get my kick-ass going. I wanted to let you know that I was having a problem, had a mammogram and now need biopsies in 2 places in one breast..I mean really.. give me a break....
Such destruction ... but people have been so kind and helpful.
Wow, it's amazing what air and rain can do. I hope the rebuilding goes well - and that this was truly a "once in a lifetime" thing.
How terrible! It's one thing tp see it on the news but another to see the devastation through the lens of your camera. It seems so mush more personal.
thats how i feel .. guilty for making it through with nothing worse than an empty fridge to show ... hugs to you
I'm reading this very late (catching up with my Google Reader after being away a couple of weeks). I'm so glad I didn't skip over this post. It really does make me realize what it is like for you guys up there, more than almost anything I've seen or read. So strange the way the destruction is hit and miss like that and I can imagine how hard it would be even for hose "missed"...
I am sure this was hard for you to post, but I am so glad you did.
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