Hurricane Sandy (and the aftermath)

If you haven't heard, the Northeastern part of the US got ravaged by Hurricane Sandy about a week ago.  People have lost their lives, their houses, and the well-being in addition to losing their power and having many gas shortages.  It's getting colder now, and those of us without power are starting to feel the effects.

There are many things in this time that you feel thankful for, but most of all it's nice to be alive and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Luckily, my family and I didn't lose our house, though we haven't had power since the storm, and lost our drinking water a few days after.  These things will return, and we've got the means to deal with it until they do.  Yeah it's frustrating, but a lot of people have lost a lot more.  We are fortunate to have a roof over our heads, warm clothing to put on, and money to go out and buy food.  Many at this point do not.

One of my best friends and his wife lost their entire house, all their belongings, and any normalcy they could have expected for the foreseeable future.  In addition, his family, which all live in the same area, lost their houses as well.  In some way or another, I don't know of anyone who lives in the surrounding area NOT to have been touched by a friend or loved one who has at least lost something.

And then you bring things to the week after.  People are waiting in lines for gas, so desperate that they are willing to fight and literally kill one another.  We have another storm approaching tomorrow night and still the very real possibility that many are going to be without power and even colder as the temperatures drop below freezing in the coming days.  Again, I'm thankful to have a roof over my head.

I'm not one to beg, or one to solicit in any way, but if there is the possibility that you can donate money, food, supplies, or clothing to anyone affected by this storm, please find the means to do so.  Like I said, my family and those close to me are fortunate, but many are not.