Firstly, thank you to all of my blog readers for your support. I am writing this post from a friend's computer. My life has changed significantly in the last 72 hours.
I lost my home, my car and everything material in Hurricane Sandy. My husband almost lost his life, but he is safe. I am not even in a place where I can write a proper blog post. (See "With No Choice, Taking Leap From Roof to Floating Roof" article)
All I can say is that I have the best friends and family and even their friends and family are amazing. As a matter of fact, even strangers have been amazingly thoughtful and generous. If you watched Brian Williams last night or CBS (in NY) today, you saw my house (the beige house in the weeds) or the foundation of my house. (They are about 1/2 mile away from each other now.) It sounds exciting, but I would much rather have my home then a hug from Ann Curry. (No offense, Ann. Thank you for being there.)
The last 3 days have been surreal and I never imagined that this would ever happen to my family and so many of my neighbors and friends. I am grateful for all I have as neighbors that did not make it through the storm. May God bless the souls of all that were lost. I have my family and for that I am beyond grateful. However, we did lose everything. Our home, car, memories, and my plans. I expected that today I would be getting a good night's sleep and setting up my marathon outfit and bib.
However, I spent the last 24 hours trying to decide if it was right or even possible for me to run the marathon. Then, only a few minutes ago, I learned that the marathon has been cancelled. While I know this is devastating for runners who trained for 16+ weeks and planned for this race since last year when they were injured (oh, wait, that was me), I am also a resident of Staten Island who, along with so many more lost everything only days ago. The wound is too new and the resources are needed so badly. I am extremely disappointed, but also relieved.
Now, I can move on to big issues, like finding a home for my family. Please be grateful for what you have, even if it's without power for a few days.
xoxox
Jen
jen,
ReplyDeletei wrote about you in my post today. www.galfriday4hire.com
You and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Let me know if I can do anything. I am here to help!
love,
Phyllis
Sending big hugs your way!!! I am so relieved the race is canceled! I am glad you and your family are safe. I pray you are comforted daily!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the rebuilding. May the angels watch over you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks. We will be rebuilding our lives, but not that house. Thank you
DeleteNice post. Like your blog name because my wife's the same. There was lots of conversation in our house on whether she and my daughter should go to NYC, but the race was a go and the hostel is open. They left Victoria BC Canada at 8:30 AM on Friday, the cancellation was announced while they were in transit. It's most likely the right one to make put so wrong to make it when they did. How many were on their way from around the world. They should have decided days ago! Best of luck and keep on running.
ReplyDeleteJen, reading your post with tears in my eyes. I am so sorry for all that you've lost but so happy to hear that you've all survived. Just another running standing behind you, keeping you in my thoughts & prayers. Best of luck rebuilding.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all of your support!
DeleteGod bless u and your family. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteAll the way from the Sierra Foothills....so sorry for your loss. I live on the Western States Trail and I am an endurance rider. They also hold the 100 Mile run on this Trail. That will be next June. Why not think about doing that? I am good friends with Gordy Ansleigh who started it many years ago. Also....I am from Carmel and the Big Sur Marathon is the last wknd in April....I believe that it is sold out, but the 21 Mile Power Walk is still open...and you would have a fab experience. Much Loves, Tamara Stewart
ReplyDeleteWow. 100 miles! That's more than I can handle. Thanks for the invite though.
DeleteJen I am sending prayers to y'all..my heart goes out to you...please know that you are being held up in prayer...
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteJen -- when I saw your post in the marathon training Facebook group, it broke my heart... you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers over the last few days. I too was relieved to see that the race was cancelled -- it wouldn't have been right to have it. Good luck with everything! Please let me know if there's anything I can do!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Liz
You are 100% right Liz. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
DeleteI am so sorry for your losses. I can't even imagine what you're going through. You and your family will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI live in South Florida and can truly appreciate the power of a storm. I am so sorry for your families loss. My heart is with you.
ReplyDeleteSending thoughts and prayers your way from Wisconsin. Having only come across your blog today, it seems like you are one strong woman and will get through this.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteI'm happy to hear that you, your husband and the kids are doing ok! I sent you a msg but I wasn't sure if you had service or not. My prayers are with you guys.
ReplyDeleteHey girl - thanks. didnt get your message.
DeletePraying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, what a scary story! I cannot imagine the fear and pain your family must be going through. let us know how we can help! I will share your story on my facebook page mindys fitness journey. I would love to know how we can help! Sending you my prayers and love!!!
ReplyDeleteI saw your story on tv the other night. My heart went out to you then and it does now. Pray that things get better for you and yours.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best as you heal. Each foot step you take with each run will begin to heal you a bit more. I can't imagine the sadness from losing your home and memories within the walls, but I do know the nerves from almost losing those you love most. Grateful you are a runner and can run the nerves, frustration and angst out. Let me know how I can help - just put on a Boot Camp for Red Cross Class yesterday that was put together fast and raised $400+, and am planning a big event for December 1st. Sending you many prayers and lots of love from the San Francisco Bay Area.
ReplyDeleteJen, I am so sorry for what you have lost but thankful to hear your family is safe and souns. My thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for everything Meghann! xox
DeleteWe are thinking of you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sorry this happened to you and your family. Thinking of you a lot this week.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Dori! xoxox
DeleteJen-
ReplyDeleteI just read your post and I am sending prayers your way. I am so sorry for all that you have lost, but happy that your family remained safe and healthy when all was done.
Please let me know if there is anything (at all!!) that I can do to help you and your family get your lives back. I will be sure to share your story on my blog as well so that more people can hear your experience and send help!
Thank you!
DeleteI am so, so sorry! Holding you and your family in prayer. I just came across the registry as well and will look over it today to see what we can send. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
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