My mom has had a very tough year. Hurricane Sandy was unkind to my hometown of Monmouth Beach, NJ. Presently, the majority of the townspeople there are still not returned to their homes, as flood waters from the Shrewsbury River and the Atlantic Ocean wreaked havoc on most of the town's
homes. My mom had about four feet of water in her house, which resulted in ruined walls, hardwood floors, furniture, appliances, clothing, mementos, photos, etc...
My brother lives across the street from my mom, and his place was equally destroyed. He's working hard on getting my mother's house ready for her to return to (we're hoping for May) but then he also has the backbreaking task of getting his own home repaired -- all new flooring, Sheetrock for the walls, new furniture, clothing, tools, appliances, etc...
We had always known the force of the sea and the rising waters, but we had always been fortunate enough to escape flooding of our homes in the past. I can still remember our school grounds being swallowed up by storm waters, and even remember our principal and PE teacher carrying us, one by one, through the flooded schoolyard across to the safety of the nearby church center on higher ground. Currently, the school is closed down as it undergoes major repairs - all the Monmouth Beach children are farmed out to nearby towns' schools until MB school is safe for them to return.
I know it's a rough time for everyone along the New Jersey coast and up into New York, but these are the times when the people of my hometown and the other shore communities pull together and help each other get back on their feet. Friends have opened their homes to families without a home, and people like my sister organized drives to make sure the children still had a Christmas this past year. It's a long road ahead, but someday Monmouth Beach will be standing proudly again.
What a lovely piece. Hope your family will soon be settled again. As a former New Englander, I know how the beauty of the ocean can become ugly.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in NJ and visited the shore areas many times. I have so many fond memories of my times at the Jersey shore. It broke my heart to see the devastation that Sandy brought to the area.
ReplyDeleteYour stitching is lovely.
What a beautiful gift for your mother! I'm so sorry she and your brother suffered so much devastation from Sandy - I hope their homes will soon be fixed and comfortable again.
ReplyDeleteAs the recipient of this beautiful sampler..I can honestly say..it makes all the trauma we have been through a bit easier knowing I have something so lovely to hang on the wall of our house once it is all "back together again".
ReplyDeleteThank you Kevin for this great gift. It will be a constant reminder of your talent and you! Love You. Mom
What a beautiful gift for your mom. We were lucky with Sandy -- just lost power and some trees and had to fix our car. So sorry for your mom and brother. I feel so much for them and hope things will be back to normal for them soon.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a wonderful gift for your mother!! But I'm so sorry to hear about what she and your brother had to go through with the results of Sandy. I have family living near there also and heard about how bad it was. Hopefully your gift will lift her spirits from all that she's gone through.
ReplyDeleteKevin what a beautiful present for your mother !
ReplyDeleteVery nice I hope to have newly sheet rocked and painted walls for it to hang on soon!
ReplyDeleteThis is soooo stunning, Kevin! And you can never go wrong with framing by Jill, can you? And so sorry to hear how hard your family here in NJ was affected by the storm. I bet it did your Mom good to bask in some sunshine and warmth. I know it would definitely do ME some good. Catch a ray of sunshine for me, will you?
ReplyDelete~~Joanne~~
Sail Away is such a pretty design, I'm not surprised your mum loved it. SB designs can be quite addictive, like you I started with one and then it just seemed to grow from there:-)
ReplyDeleteKevin, I know she was very pleased with this piece as it turned out beautiful! Plus you made it for her!
ReplyDeleteHello Kevin! I'm new to your blog (found you through the Scarlet Letter blog). That SB piece is stunning and in a Rensel frame too! Wow! It's good to read that your brother is helping your mom get her home back in order. How is his house coming along? Take care!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Kevin. I know your mom will treasure your gift.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who lives at the beach and has been through numerous hurricanes I can empathize with all those who are dealing with the clean up and restoration. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sail Away turned out really beautiful and I bet your mom was so thrilled to get it as it was stitched with lots of love from you!! I love this and have this project and intend to stitch it one day. Yours is such an inspiration to me too!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gift for your mom, Kevin. I stitched this a couple of years ago and put my boy's names in it. I know your mom was thrilled to receive such a beautifully stitched and framed piece.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers for your mom and brother and all those harmed by Sandy.
Happy Easter!
I wish your Mum and your brother all the best with their return to their homes. A gorgeous gift for your Mum - beautifully stitched.
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