Toms River, New Jersey to me is the best place on Earth; it’s the place I’ve called home for twenty-one years, and there’s no other place I’d rather be. In the summertime you can always find me on 7th Avenue in Seaside Park. There’s nothing better than that first day of summer when I’m able to put my beach chair in the trunk of my car and drive down to the island. Those first few weeks when I can sit with my feet in the sand before schools let out and tourists flock to their rented beach homes is the best time to take in the all of the wonders of the beach; when I can smell the salty air of the ocean and embrace the feeling of the hot sun on my skin.
Four months ago all of that changed when everything I loved about Toms River and Seaside was put on the forefront of a devastating hurricane. I couldn’t help but feel guilty that I wasn’t home trying to help with relief efforts. It was hard realizing that as much as I wanted to participate and help in any way I could, I had to put all my faith into my community. I had to believe in everything they were doing to help, and I couldn’t be more proud of the things that they did. That hurricane showed me how much New Jersey truly means to me, and all of the amazing people in it. In a time of pure desperation locals helped other locals, they put their needs behind them and worked to keep those around them in high spirits.
I was able to witness an example of this a few weeks ago when my mom and I took a drive down to Seaside Heights. My heart felt heavy as we drove down streets of debris, but at one point we came across a street where two neighbors were helping each other clean their homes. It was at that moment that I realized how important community was. I applauded the people on the news who were in horrible situations, and still pushed forward, putting other people ahead of themselves. The unsung heroes of the aftermath of the hurricane are the people that make up a community, the ones who help others not for recognition, but because that’s what people do when they're a part of something.
New Jersey has been called a lot of things, but what people don’t know is that behind our loud mouths and reckless driving, there is a big heart. Hurricane Sandy may have destroyed a part of my home, but it reinforced the love that all New Jerseyians have for each other, and what we're willing to do for one another. I’m proud of where I live and the people who surround me. The people in my community have and continue to demonstrate that no matter what happens, we can get through anything. As businesses rebuild, and families recuperate, a bond is forming that unites us all together. After everything that has happened it has only made us stronger, and I couldn’t be happier to call New Jersey my home.
Four months ago all of that changed when everything I loved about Toms River and Seaside was put on the forefront of a devastating hurricane. I couldn’t help but feel guilty that I wasn’t home trying to help with relief efforts. It was hard realizing that as much as I wanted to participate and help in any way I could, I had to put all my faith into my community. I had to believe in everything they were doing to help, and I couldn’t be more proud of the things that they did. That hurricane showed me how much New Jersey truly means to me, and all of the amazing people in it. In a time of pure desperation locals helped other locals, they put their needs behind them and worked to keep those around them in high spirits.
I was able to witness an example of this a few weeks ago when my mom and I took a drive down to Seaside Heights. My heart felt heavy as we drove down streets of debris, but at one point we came across a street where two neighbors were helping each other clean their homes. It was at that moment that I realized how important community was. I applauded the people on the news who were in horrible situations, and still pushed forward, putting other people ahead of themselves. The unsung heroes of the aftermath of the hurricane are the people that make up a community, the ones who help others not for recognition, but because that’s what people do when they're a part of something.
New Jersey has been called a lot of things, but what people don’t know is that behind our loud mouths and reckless driving, there is a big heart. Hurricane Sandy may have destroyed a part of my home, but it reinforced the love that all New Jerseyians have for each other, and what we're willing to do for one another. I’m proud of where I live and the people who surround me. The people in my community have and continue to demonstrate that no matter what happens, we can get through anything. As businesses rebuild, and families recuperate, a bond is forming that unites us all together. After everything that has happened it has only made us stronger, and I couldn’t be happier to call New Jersey my home.
RSS Feed