In the aftermath of super storm Sandy, most of us are sadly in a Katrina state of mind, wondering if and when life will ever return to normal.
I am blessed to say, that my power was restored last night, and that -- for sure -- was the first step in feeling that life was a lot less chaotic and a lot more comfortable. Right now, we are all feeling battered and beaten by the storm. So many people have lost their homes and businesses and that is a heavy cross that we will all have to carry for a long time to come.
The endless clean up efforts, the day-to-day frustrations as cell phones, emails, and landlines fail us; even just the long wait at gas stations: all this is enough to drive anyone to drink. Not to mention, children home from school, which can further fray our tattered nerves, as we scrurry to find babysitters and/or bend over backwards trying to keep them entertained.
The financial fallout that all the additional expenses due to the storm have wrought, compounded with the loss of income from days off from work, has put additional strain on what was an already floundering Long Island economy. And, if you are still without power, the storm hasn't yet blown over.
All of these things, and the countless other inconveniences and catastrophes, both large and small, which are flying at us from all directions, can add up to tempers flaring, angry words spoken, and ugly family scenes that really just make matters worse.
What can we do to stop driving each other crazy? Oh, and believe me, at this point, for all of us, it is a very short drive to crazy. We can all try mustering up courage, patience, fortitude, endurance, and, yes, perseverance. We all possess these traits and for the most part rarely seem to use them, but it's as good a time as any to dust them off and learn to cultivate them. It's also a good time to show your children that life is unpredictable and constantly testing us, but if we take things one day at a time, we will again see the light at the end of the tunnel.
We can teach them that strong, loving bonds can and will get us through life's tough times.No doubt, a sense of humor helps, as does watching your words. Words are weapons when used in anger, or they can be just the soothing remedy we need right now, if they are spoken with love and kindness.
Just remember: there is no greater power on earth, than the power of love. May God shower love upon you and yours in the daunting days to come.
