We are a world away and the storm is no longer in the forefront of our minds or the news for that matter, yet many of us here in Malibu have been transplanted from back east. Many of us have some connection to New York, New Jersey and many of the affected areas of Superstorm Sandy.
I’m from Long Island and most of my family lives in New York City or on Long Island. My cousin Mariellen and her husband Hugh lost their home and just about all their belongings after 4 feet of water saturated their home and caused permanent flood damage. Their house will have to be condemned and they don’t know what their going to do next. In the meantime, they’re living with Hugh’s dad until insurance paperwork goes through.
My other cousin Jonathan, his wife Charlotte and their 3 young boys lost everything on the first floor of their home. They also had 4 feet of flooding from the storm. Their furniture, appliances and all the boys toys are gone. Luckily they may be able to save their home. Jonathan went in and gutted the first floor to save it from mildew. He’ll have to rebuild if possible in the dead of winter. Recently, on Facebook, Charlotte posted a letter to Santa from one of the boys asking for a PS3.
My uncle had 2 trees fall on his house and a local contractor quoted $13,000 to take it down. Thankfully we come from an Irish Catholic family and there is lots of muscle around to help him out. My aunt has two friends who lost their homes in the Breezy Point fires.
I could go on and on with personal stories of hardship, but I think the biggest thing that happened from Superstorm Sandy is that Mother Nature served us an immediate priority check. What is most important? When the you know what hits the fan, are we safe? Are we healthy? Are our kids safe? Do we have food, water and shelter? Luckily the answer is yes to all those questions for most. The storm immediately made us realize what’s important.
After the gut check and gaining our bearings, it’s time to rebuild. For those affected, life may never be the same, but we are strong, we are resilient and I believe that human nature is to help our fellow man. That’s why I’m doing my part by donating all the proceeds from my studio this weekend and all the proceeds from Sandy Relief t-shirts I had made. Hopefully we’ll be able to buy my little cousin his PS3 and we’ll be able to spread some joy to those who need it most.
If you’re a yoga person or find yourself at the Country Mart this weekend, please come by. If you take a class I’ll donate the proceeds. Or there are many ways to contribute:
a. donate as much as you like, they can sure use it!
b. pay a $25 (or more) donation for class
c. use one of your classes (we will donate that money).
d. pay $50 (or more) for specially designed Sandy Relief Tees.
e. all of the above!
And if you’re not a yoga person or not going to be near us this weekend, please find it in your heart to give a little to those less fortunate. I know that in my 15 years in Malibu, one thing I can say is that we are givers! Malibuans love to share their wealth and that if nothing else makes me proud to live here.
Thank you so much for your continued support. Here are some other links that might help.
http://teamrubiconusa.org/#
http://newyorkcares.org
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/impact.your.world/
http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/171662/ways-to-help-sandy-relief-efforts-in-nyc
http://feedingamerica.org/how-we-fight-hunger/programs-and-services/network-programs/disaster-relief/hurricane-sandy.aspx
