Hurricane Sandy

Just about everyone in the Northeast was affected by Hurrcane Sandy in some degree, whether it was loss of electricity, a tree down across the street, a foot of snow in your yard, or inability to travel freely due to gas shortage. A couple of twigs of the Fanning family tree were adversely affected in a big way. Luckily, there were no deaths or injuries to report since the families evacuated before the storm's arrival. However, property damage is vast.

The Fanning Family bungalow in Long Beach, NY sustained great damage as the storm surge caused the ocean to meet the waters of Reynolds Channel. It appears the water was about four feet into the house and above the kitchen counter tops. There was enough water to make the refrigerator float and ruin just about everything in the water's path. Aunt Margaret, Anthony and Carolyn have been displaced since then and we will need to rebuild.

The Fanning bungalow in Long Beach after it was gutted on November 21.

In Rockaway, Aunt Ronnie and the girls were evicted by Hurricane Sandy when the flood waters caused the basement windows to break under pressure and the entire basement filled up. The water line raised up into the first floor by nearly 2 feet. There were splash marks on the exterior of the house as high as 14 feet from the ground as Jamaica Bay and  the Atlantic Ocean clashed along Cronston Ave. Furnace, hot water heater, electrical panels, and lots and lots of memories were damaged by the sea water. Water pressure was strong enough to cause an old oil tank to dislodge in the basement.

The first load of flood damaged belongings are curbside at the Hynes' Rockaway home.

To add insult to injury, a local landmark dear to the family was utterly destroyed by fire during the storm. The Harbor Light Restaurant was the venue to wedding rehearsals, birthdays, christenings, communions, and other meetings too numerous to list. As the 80 mph winds pushed the fire across the peninsula, the restaurant once owned by Uncle Walter was engulfed and burned to its very foundation. When I saw the first photo posted online of its smoldering ruins it caused me goosebumps.

The Harbor Light the morning after the storm.

If you have been following the story of my family through this blog, you have read how we have overcome adversity in the past. And we will overcome again. We have come from a strong lot who have endured months long trans-Atlantic journeys, terrorist attacks, and depressions. We have each other and through each others strength we shall soar once more.