Right after the record-breaking devastation of Hurricane Sandy, my friends teased me, saying things like, "Let’s see how stylish Miss Style Editor will look without any water or power for a week."
Well, I have to say that looking stylish has been the last thing on my mind. With so many people losing so much so quickly, we are all very grateful to be alive. That’s obviously what’s most important to me. Never mind that I’ve been bathing with boiled water and baby wipes, brushing talcum powder through my hair and wearing so many layers that I look like the Michelin Man.
What has most impressed me this week is that, once the storm passed and everyone assessed the damage, so many neighbors chose to embrace the obstacles and make lemonade (or lemon-tinis) from their lemons.
For example, I heard the story of a Chatham family that invited all the neighbors over, despite the fact that no one had power. A huge gang congregated on this family’s deck and each neighbor loaded up the gas grill with their rapidly defrosting food. Then they all feasted and toasted and celebrated the fact that they still had their homes and their kids. Now, that’s what I call style.
My significant other and I were blessed because his parents joined us for the week, bringing with them their sparkling personalities and a freezer full of Omaha Steak goodies. For three evenings, we used our gas grill and enjoyed chilly but lovely candlelight dinners of steak, chicken, veggies and fine wine. Sure, we ate off paper plates, but it was a fun and uplifting experience that I will never forget.
And what could be more tasteful than all the businesses and community organizations that continue to pull together for the common good? The Mendham Apothecary remained open for pharmacy emergencies and, although they couldn’t power their cash registers, they filled orders anyway. Suzi’s Salon and Spa in Morristown invited their regular customers to use the showers in their gorgeous new spa center. And St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown hosted a free dinner for those affected by the storm and also welcomes local residents to stop in for hot coffee and to charge their cell phones and laptops.
You probably have your own examples of friends and neighbors performing elegant and inspiring acts of kindness, so please share them!.
Thanks to the generosity of others, a lot of us might be looking a little gnarly on the outside, but our hearts are singing on the inside.
Stay warm and be safe,
Susan