I have a serious case of "survivor's guilt". There are still so many people here in Connecticut without electricity after Satruday night's freakish October snow storm. I hate to admit this but, at my house we never lost power and I can't help feeling terribly guilty about that.
How did we get so lucky? Why couldn't more people be so fortunate? Of course we did lose our phone, internet and cable, but how could I dare complain about that (especially since we had it back by Tuesday morning). At least we had electricity, heat and hot water.
I was on Queen Street in Southington today and I was shocked to see the number of stores and businesses that are STILL without electricity and/or phone service. It would seem logical to me that businesses would be the FIRST to be restored. The losses these businesses must be suffering from being shut down for 5+ days must be absolutely devestating! How can this be happening?
I went to the Southington Library yesterday and I just couldn't believe the number of people I saw typing away on their laptops. Extra tables had to be brought in. Those who weren't on their own laptops were patiently waiting in a very long line to use the library's computers. While this was painful for me to see, I found it heartwarming the way people seemed to be taking it all in stride. Spirits were pretty high, considering. I heard a lot of people sharing their stories. Many were thankful. After all.....it could have been worse.
I did my best to purge my guilt. I invited friends to stay the night, store food in my refridgerator, cook on my fully operational stove, do laundry, take a hot shower. Some came by just to charge cell phones, laptops and ipods. But I still felt just horrible and I still do.
There are people who are STILL living in the dark, in the cold, in homes that were badly damaged.....this is the most destruction I've ever seen in my town of Southington. Schools were shut down for the entire week and will hopefully be open on Monday. I am looking forward to everything getting back to normal. Oh what a year it has been! From blizzards, hurricaines, flooding, an earthquake.....to trick-or-treating in the snow. Can't help wondering, what could possibly be next?
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