When Hurricane Sandy caused destruction and chaos across the northeast last week, I was left with a feeling of sadness and helplessness. I felt weird writing about my new favorite show, Nashville, or my Halloween candy overindulgence when families, when CHILDREN, were suffering. They didn’t have power or heat or running water. Many lost their homes. Some lost loved ones.
I grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland and spent every summer in Ocean City. My parents rented a 2-bedroom walk-up apartment that was a few blocks from the beach. Some of my favorite childhood memories stem from those weeks in the sun and sand. It was emotional for me to watch Sandy destroy parts of my beloved beach town including one of our favorite iconic restaurants, Anthony’s. The boardwalk where we would play games and buy souvenirs was hit hard.
I moved to New York City after I graduated from the University of Maryland in 1993. I was working in the marketing department of a big radio station and I spent most of my time executing promotional events around the city and surrounding neighborhoods. I fell in love with New York because it made me feel important. It made me feel like I was a part of something big and exciting. It really is the city that never sleeps and that’s because the energy is overwhelming. It’s intoxicating. And when something tragic happens like 9/11 or Sandy, you know New Yorkers, you know PEOPLE, will band together.
I told my two children all about Sandy. I didn’t want to scare them, but I need them to develop compassion for others. We talk all the time about being “kind” and “helpful.” So they were excited to donate money from their piggy banks to the Red Cross. They understand that their money can buy a new comfy blanket or stuffed animal that was damaged in the storm. I told them that we help others because they would help us. And I believe that.
I love the United States of America. Because when bad things happen, we stick together. We feel bonded, not divided. When bad things happen, no one asks if you are a Democrat or a Republican. No one asks who you love or what you believe or where you grew up. We just stick together. We help. And that’s why I’m proud to stand in the rain and exercise my right to vote. That’s why I’m proud to be an American. And no matter who you vote for today, let’s remember that.
