November 12, 2012

As She Was…

Courtesy of This is Glamorous

"I love New York, even though it isn't mine, the way something has to be, a tree or a street or a house, something, anyway, that belongs to me because I belong to it." —Breakfast at Tiffany's

Thank you to each and every one of you who reached out to make sure my family, friends, and I were well in Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath. Thankfully, all of my family, friends and loved ones are safe and sound. Your thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit is a reminder of how fortunate I am to have such wonderful readers. It feels like I’ve built a little community- albeit a very chic and elegant one. I’m forever grateful. 

Despite having no power, heat, or dependable cell phone service and a beautiful event venue with water damage the week before a big event, what I faced was an inconvenience that pales in comparison to what so many are dealing with. 

By now, you know my love for this city runs deep. The last two weeks have been heartbreaking. The damage and loss of life is inconceivable. Yet in spite of it all, there has been such resilience and good will. I couldn’t bring myself to post a photo of the city in upheaval. So I’ve included an image of the city as she was and as she will be once again.

I celebrated my birthday the weekend of the hurricane with very indulgent family and friends (more on this later) and I’ve never felt more content.  

There are still too many people who are suffering and in dangerous situations. You can donate to the Red Cross here. If you’re in the New York area, I strongly encourage you to volunteer. There’s so much to do in many areas. There’s a great list of volunteer opportunities here.

Hope you are all safe and that your week is off to a good start.

28 comments:

  1. Such a lovely post Lindsay. I am so glad you and your loved ones are ok. And like you, I am sure New York will bounce back - great cities always display that resilience, however unbelievable it seems at the time when disaster strikes.
    I am so glad you had your loved ones around you on your birthday :) I celebrated my birthday last weekend, feel very reflective and grateful for all the good things in my life.

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    1. Ammu- Happy belated birthday Ammu! I knew it was coming up soon. I hope you had a wonderful celebration. I know exactly what you mean about being reflective and grateful for all of the good things.

      It's so hard to write about, so thank you for the encouragement. Things will bounce back- I'm sure of it. I'm glad that so many are committed to bringing attention and help to all of the areas that are so often are forgotten.

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    2. Thank you sweetie, I had a very special weekend. Felt thoroughly pampered by my loved ones and had a very relaxing time at home, over good food, wine and a lovely array of presents. Have many reasons to be thankful :)

      One of my colleagues in Pakistan wrote this piece about impoverished flood victims expressing solidarity with Americans - amid all the bad news, it's heartening to see such unequivocal empathy.
      http://bit.ly/TYS3bV

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    3. Thank you for sharing this. Such a great piece. Such beautiful people. Was thinking of all the people who deal with this far too often and yet still have such empathy.

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  2. Happy belated birthday Lindsay, it is so good to hear that you and those near and dear to you are okay. I've been in some pretty bad storms over the years, but nothing comparing to Sandy. My heart goes out to everyone affected.

    I can't wait to visit New York one day and experience the city first hand. Hopefully I'll make it happen for next summer :)

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    1. Maja- Thank you! Hope you are feeling better.

      I remember you writing about a crazy storm you guys had- so scary! My heart goes out to everyone affected. I can't even comprehend what some are dealing with.

      You should visit! Please let me know when you do:)

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  3. Glad to hear you're well. Fingers crossed for NYC's speedy recovery.

    herribbonsandherbows.blogspot.com

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  4. So pleased to hear you're fine. I was horrified to see the level of destruction that people have to face there.

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    1. Chocolate Cookies & Candies- Thanks Marlene. It is horrifying. Amid all of the bad, there is such unimaginable strength of spirit. That really makes me so committed to volunteering and giving back.

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  5. Happy Belated birthday and thank God you and your family are safe and sound. My prayers are with those whose lives have been affected by Sandy.

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    1. Eileen- Thank you Eileen. That's very sweet. Yes, so thankful that my loved ones are ok. It's truly been eye opening. My prayers go out to all of those who lost so much.

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  6. I'm glad that you and your family are fine and am sorry to hear that your city is a shadow of her former self at the moment - but she will rise again. I am sure of it.

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    1. Sue- Thanks Sue! It's been truly remarkable just how quickly the city was able to get subways back up. Two days after the storm you wouldn't really know anything happened here, but it's so important to remember how many communities (that struggle and face so many challenges everyday) have a long road back.

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  7. happy belated birthday! and thanks for sharing those links - so importnat we not forget those who are still without power and shelter. with Thanksgiving coming up i'm looking forward to giving back even more so this year to those in need.

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    1. miss sophie- Thank you! It is so important that we give back and not forget how many people here are suffering. So often we all forget that the city encompasses so much more than Manhattan. It's good to see everyone coming together & giving back. I feel so inspired.

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  8. Awesome post! And I love the city:)

    http://theprintedsea.blogspot.de/

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    1. Ira Kharchenko- Thank you! Yes, how can you not love the city:)

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  9. Lindsay, firstly, a very happy belated birthday to you! I'm glad you still got to celebrate and mark the day of your birth :) I saw pictures of the damage and I was just shocked, then I saw a video and photos of the relief workers and I was humbled. Thinking of you and your family and friends xoxox

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    1. Vanisha @ Vanishas Life In...Australia- Hi Vanisha! Yes, it was really nice to celebrate with loved ones:) Thank you for the well wishes- I feel incredibly blessed. Hope you are hanging in there. Big hug!!!

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  10. s- Thank you! You're very sweet:) Hope you are having a good weekend.

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  11. You are lovely. There is so much gratitude in this post. Many would be whining. I'm glad to hear that you and your loved ones are well. Happy belated birthday and best wishes.

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    1. Mia- Thank you! We must keep things in perspective. There were/still are so many people dealing with so much worse than a few inconveniences.

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  12. Happy belated birthday! I'm looking forward to hearing more about it. My heart goes out to NY...I hope recovery is going well.

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    1. LN- Thank you!

      Yes, it's so odd to see that things are back to normal in my world but so close by so many people are in peril.

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  13. Happy belated birthday Lindsay. So glad to hear you are doing well. Luckily and amazingly, my family in NY and NJ were doing okay too. Thank you for sharing this gratitude post.

    xo, sam
    **Style of Sam**

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    1. Sam- Thanks Sam! I'm so glad to hear that your family in NY and NJ are doing well.

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