Hurricanes and Divorce

Sandy arrives.

Cozy with candles and the oil lamp.

Last week Hurricane Sandy came through and long island was one of the hard hit areas. I was lucky to only lose power for four days and many are still without.

This past year I have been navigating through the end of my marriage.

There are many parallels I feel I can draw, but the one I want to focus on is about what can come from these disasters.

Right now people are pulling together and working harder then they normally would to help those in need. Support, survival being placed above preconceived notions of those in need, and hopefully people are growing from the experiences or relationships happening because of this storm.

While the process of ending a marriage is rocky and unbearable, to say the least, I was constantly aware of the support I received and the growth I realized was happening. I wasn't always happy about it and there was quite a lot of resistance to the changes going on, but I tried to experience those moments none the less.

While I wasn't always successful, looking back, I did what I could and experienced the moments I was able to to the best of my ability. Out of this past year has come a book, a publisher interested in the book, a private practice, closer friends, new found strengths, and sky diving.

When Sandy hit I intended to stay in my new apartment and ride out the storm. Then I heard a huge crack and watched a 30' tall pine tree come down near my building. I no longer felt safe. I also no longer cared that I was at the tail end of divorce and my ex immediately suggested he come pick me up. It felt much better having a disaster with someone I knew and we made it through the storm intact.

No matter what happens, it feels good to be able to set aside differences when people are in need. Whether you are receiving help or can volunteer to help others see if you can pin point those moments you set something aside and learn from the experience.

After the storm.