*I would ride the Jet Star as an 8-year-old girl. The rickety old roller coaster, even at
that time, was full of joy and suspense for my little self.
Jet Star
*My family would drive up on the beach of Island Beach State
park, back in the pre-teen days. We would grab sandwiches from Wa-Wa and have a picnic on the
beach in the evenings.
*As a teenager, I would go to the Seaside Heights beach
every summer with my friends.
Sheridan Ave baby!! Tanning
contests, beach chairs set up 12 in a row, and we would walk to the Sawmill to
get a slice and a soda for like 2 bucks during long 8-hour beach days.
*After prom, we rented hotels in Seaside Heights close
enough to smell the ocean air, which would hardly mask the smell of beer. J
(Sorry Mom).
*In my 20’s, I worked at the Seaside boardwalk in the
summers between college. I would
set up shop at a booth or roam the boardwalk/beach with my friend checking
badges. We would go on rides
during off time. Best job ever!
*JENKS-where we would dance away any problems and then have
a slice after closing.
*At 23, after I got engaged, we went to the Surf Club to
clink glasses and meet up with friends.
*My bridal shower was across the street from the beach in
Point Pleasant.
*I spent most birthdays on the boardwalk of Point Pleasant,
having dinner with my friends, drinking Blondies and then we would have one too
many at Martell’s Tiki bar.
Before Snooki and the cast of Jersey Shore came to town,
Seaside Heights wasn’t “big” or “Known” to the world. We lived our lives and made our memories. I grew up there. It is my familiar place. It is my heart. No matter what anyone says, it is a
wonderful, real place; a place that gave back to me tenfold in the form of fun,
friendship, laughter and love. To
see it now...is to see a piece of my heart breaking.
Oh Sandy
*******************************************************************
Last night my 3 year old daughter sat on top of the couch
and sang “America the Beautiful” It was endearing and hilarious since she
didn’t get all of the words right.
I made her sing it again. I needed a laugh. Ample timing.
Sitting there, amidst all of the disaster and devastation the east coast
has faced, particularly my home, that moment felt priceless. Thank goodness these kids can stay
innocent in their minds. If I can,
I need to shelter them from everything right now. Even with no power, we are able to have sleepover parties in
the dark, and have flashlight discos…at least we have our home. At least we have sweatshirts and socks
and hats and gloves. What about
the children and the people that don’t?
Yesterday I stood in Target behind a family who lost
everything. The mother, with her 3
kids were trying to start a life anew, one piece of clothing at a time. The 12-year-old daughter was holding a
newborn baby who was in a onesie, without pants or socks or a blanket to keep
warm. The 12 year old was in her
pajamas, wearing old beat up sneakers on her feet. She started complaining and her mom took her by the
shoulders and said, “We just lost everything.” My heart broke.
Outside the store, I asked them if they would take an extra blanket from
my car. They refused. I circled around the parking lot and
gave them all the cash in my wallet.
They nodded and took it. It was
only $25 but something is better than nothing. This is one story!
One! There are thousands
upon thousands of more like that.
We need to help these people.
If you are reading this and have a roof above your head and extra
dollars in your pocket, help those who don’t. Help those who have lost everything.
How do we help?
We open our pockets and hearts.
Nothing is small. This is
what is so wonderful about America.
This is what makes us beautiful.
Instead of spending $25 on Starbucks, buy a blanket and donate it. Instead of putting away $50 this month,
put away $20, and give the rest to the less fortunate. This is what makes our country
strong…different…. And now, as I look at pictures of the place where I grew up,
where I created and hold on to all of my memories, my sadness is replaced with
motivation.
I’m not the only one.
I saw it in the volunteers at Toms River North HS, organizing and
sorting donated clothing. I saw it
in the overflow of supplies and donations. I saw it in facebook posts urging
people to help, collecting, organizing, donating, and shipping. I see it everywhere.
Toms River North Shelter, Toms River NJ
Today, I realized there is more kindness than not. There is
more togetherness than not. There
is more support than not. There is more hope than not…
One act at a time, we can do it. We can rebuild the Shore; the place where so many created so
many priceless memories.
And so last night when I listened to my daughter sing, I
understood the words more than ever…
From sea
to shining sea”
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