From Jersey, With Love

Greetings from what used to be New Jersey – in the dark.

Frankly, I’m surprised I was crafty enough to get this from my computer (with no internet connection) to my phone to my blog page.

After a total now of 7 days without power, I’ve learned that my iPhone does indeed supply a hot spot; and I’ve had plenty of time to figure it out.

I type this in the dark, by the glow of my wood burning stove.

We’ve been without power here since Monday night. Although terribly cut off from the world – with the exception of random 3G connections – I consider myself and my family to be incredibly lucky.

I love New Jersey. Yes, it’s true at one time I did have an escape from New Jersey plan, but I was young and dumb and didn’t know any better. My heart breaks to see “her” so terribly torn and tattered.

This is obviously my first hundred year disaster. I know, I know – it’s hard to tell, but I’m not quite there yet. I’ve never seen such destruction to areas that I’ve grown up loving.

For people like me, and most of my fellow Jersey brothers & sisters, we spent our summers going down the shore. Not to the beach, DOWN THE SHORE. Get it right!

If I close my eyes, I can rewind my brain to the smell as soon as you go over the Driscoll Bridge. Sea air. Salt water. Boardwalk smells of sausage & peppers, cotton candy and saltwater taffy.

From the time I learned to walk, my parents took me to Seaside Heights to enjoy the beach and the rides. Neither exists any longer. No more sausage and pepper sandwiches from “the big lemon” a.k.a. the Midway in the center of the boardwalk. The boardwalk is gone

As a twenty-something, I spent my summers in Point Pleasant, often frequenting Martel’s Tiki Bar…GONE.

Nights at the Surf Club at Ortley Beach. Gone.

As I type this, I tear up.

If you’re fellow Jersey, even transplanted Jersey, you get this. All of it! The heartbreak of a place so near and dear – lost.

I live in the woods now, still in Jersey. It was a choice I made when my son was growing up. I grew up in the city and didn’t want the city life for him. I knew that down the shore was an option, but would rather keep that as a special treat – like it was for me growing up. I can’t quite describe the anticipation in the heart of a child when you say, “We’re going down the shore.” I was once that child – and in many ways, I still am.

I never left Jersey because I could live way north, in the beauty of the woods, and still be within three hours of the furthest New Jersey beach. Nearby, there are beautiful farmlands and the majesty of mountains, lakes, streams, New York City and, of course, the ocean.

As I see it now, this choice was a good one; even in the face of this devastation.

Yes, we are without power, except for the generator that we run 8 hours on and 8 hours off. I have no running water since we’re water/sewer here and the generator isn’t set up for that yet. There are trees down, wires down. In all these negatives, there are positives. The reason I chose to move to a community: neighbors band together.

Early yesterday morning (after discovering several trees down in our own yard), my daughter and I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood to assess Mother Nature’s fury. Seeing the massive tree on Keri’s truck and all the trees down in Trish & John’s yard, we also saw what Jersey is REALLY all about. Chris – a neighbor from the other side of the block, with no damage to his home – was at the house of neighbors he didn’t even know, using his chain saw to cut away a fallen tree from their driveway.

Neighbors taking care of neighbors, because that’s what we do here.

That, my friends, is the REAL Jersey. Just because we don’t candy coat it, doesn’t mean we’re not sincere. Forget what you see on TV. We may talk a little tough and give it to you straight, but Jersey has heart. Jersey has soul. Jersey may be down, but she’s not out.

From the woods I send this, not even knowing what’s going on elsewhere.

From the woods I ask that you keep our coastal friends in your thoughts and prayers.

…and then there’s New York City & boroughs, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Connecticut – other places whose stories I haven’t heard yet. Jersey sends love…lots of it.

For those who’ve lost family, property, whatever – I wish you peace.

Please share this with others who may think Jersey is what you see on television. It’s not. It’s all about the love and caring & what we can do for each other…with just a bit of an attitude, followed by a hug.

Jenn says: Life is a gift…take each day as it comes & find the humor in every situation. Live well, Laugh often & Love with your whole heart! Be sure to visit my blog My Daily Jenn-ism.