Seaside...

After Sandy, we knew things would not be the same as before the storm. The shore towns did their best to rebuild what was rebuild-able and carried on. 

The summer was not so amazing in general far as weather and there was definitely something missing when one went to Seaside and to the boardwalk. Still, the "new normal" was getting us all on with a decent existence. Even though the new boardwalk material was dark and looked like synthetic wood, it was better than no boardwalk. 

We all did our best to embrace it. 

Yesterday, it all ended in flames. As I learned of the boardwalk fire, it was early afternoon and I was at my desk. I quickly told Maryellen and she saw the horror for herself.  Words can not describe the feelings of sadness; after all we have fought through. Less than a year after Sandy, 80% of the boardwalk is charred remains. Homes were not lost, businesses were. Luckily, no deaths. Thankfully, some brave first responders had only minor injuries. Even as Governor Christie proclaimed "we will dust ourselves off and carry on"; it's not so easy for people who have not fully recovered from a catastrophe. The people of the real Jersey Shore are quite a resilient bunch, but still. I pray for the best possible scenario and for the possibility of another recovery.  I'm thankful the teams of firefighters from all surrounding towns jumped in to help Seaside and get the blaze out. What an ordeal for the boardwalk, which held countless memories for so many.