Notes, Acknowledgements, and Thanks - Week Ending 11/03/12

It's been a crazy week for me. Superstorm Sandy came through my town and did a lot of damage. The picture below were taken in my neighborhood. While it looks bad it doesn't compare to what other areas experienced.

      

                                                                             Source: Uploaded by Victorio on Pinterest

Lives were lost. Businesses and homes were damaged or destroyed. The rhythm of this city that I love was disrupted in ways I had never seen before. Everyone was impacted and the effects of this event will be felt for many years. If there is a silver lining it's that, if we come together and work as one, we can recover, rebuild, and emerge from this tragedy better than ever.

So instead of following the usual steps of this post series--highlighting the links, articles, and inspiration behind the writing I produced over the previous weeks--I want to go straight to the 'Thank You' part of things.

Thanks this week goes out to:

• All the first responders and volunteers who worked before, during, and after the storm to keep people safe. Your worth is immeasurable, especially during times like this. Thank you!
• To my neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family both online and off. We kept in contact with each other and when we couldn't directly help, you helped the time go by with news, laughter, and well wishes. It was a community effort to keep each other safe, informed, and in good spirits. I thank you for including my family and I in it.
• To all those who, whether here in the United States or around the world, are providing donations and other critical items needed for the efforts to restore life here after the Superstorm. Your support does make a difference.

And, most importantly, my thoughts and well wishes go out to those who lost that which is precious or important to them, whether it was property, personal effects, or loved ones.

Much like water and air, life can be easily taken for granted. It isn't until those respective elements rage against us that we wake up and realize how fragile life can be. If nothing else, it's my hope that the storm will prompt more people to remain awake and appreciative of what they have.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!