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Health & Fitness

Hurricane Sandy's Teachings-Who Are Your Friends? by Amy Reissner Holistic RN Energy Medicine Practitioner

Lessons in Compassion, Gratitude and Appreciation learned from Hurricane Sandy!

Living in a townhouse on Milton Harbor, in the Milton Harbor Complex, has taught us a bit about preparation for Nor'easters. Last year with Irene, we had some flooding in our lower level, but we considered ourselves very lucky, unlike many of our neighbors, as we had very little damage.

The storm preparation for Hurricane Sandy began the same way as usual. We moved our outdoor and downstairs furniture into our living room and dining room. We purchased extra D batteries and made sure we had non-perishable food.

But nothing prepared my husband and myself for the knock on our door, not just recommending but commanding us to evacuate our home. Shock ensued. We understood as there was going to be a full moon and the tide was going to be high. We were told that if we did not leave, there was no guarantee that any rescue attempt would save us if we had an emergency.

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We have no family on the east coast. My husband called a few people we knew in Westchester to see if they had room to take in my husband, myself, our two children, almost 18 & almost 13 year old, and our 6 year old Havanese dog, Boots. We kept our fingers crossed that we would find someone we knew who would allow us to weather the hurricane with them in their home.

We assumed people had either lost power already or were in a frenzy of preparation, as no one answered their phone save one business associate of my husband's. We were told to come over. We all packed up 2 day's worth of clothes, books, flashlights, and some refrigerator food in a picnic hamper with ice packs. The time table for leaving was 3PM. Our power had already gone out. The wind was already howling outside and the harbor had already flooded the Rye Golf course green. The land was disappearing under the choppy gray waters.

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We double-checked the windows, secured everything, and followed the line of cars, caravan-style, around the circle onto Milton Road. The wind was frightening as it whipped up the leaves and branches started to fall. I prayed we would make it to our friend's house in White Plains with no mishaps. There were many detours, due to downed power lines and fallen trees.

After making it onto 95N and 287, we noticed that we were one of few cars on the highway. It took us about 45 minutes to arrive at my husband's associate's house. My husband and son went in first and came out a few minutes later to tell us that we were not able to stay with them. My husband's associate/friend felt terrible and looked very sheepish, as he explained that his wife had not been home when he told us to come over. She did not feel comfortable taking us in as they had no generator. 

We looked at each other in disbelief, as the fury of the storm was reaching its peak. While I understood that sometimes spouses don't communicate and the wife had not been prepared for our arrival, I still found it hard to believe that we were being turned away under these circumstances. We sat in the driveway and made several other calls. A friend in Northern Westchester told us to come over. They had a propane generator and welcomed us with open arms.

Another longer drive this time, feeling more trepidation and fear for our safety, as Hurricane Sandy's force and magnitude grew. It made me realize how other people felt during devastating circumstances, whether it be due to nature's fury, political turmoil, or war. Mostly fear for the well-being of my family was first in my heart and head. I felt very grateful that we had somewhere to go.

One of the greatest lessons we learned during this storm was compassion, appreciation and gratitude. You most certainly learn who your friends are during crisis situations...and one does not forget. This family's generosity was heartening after being turned away by the other family. Warmth, shelter, bedding, privacy, running water, light, laughter, shared food and love was greatly appreciated!

We had an opportunity to give back to a family who lives in our community. Not all of Milton Harbor House has had a return of power. We opened our home to my son's friend the other night. She was very grateful for our company, a warm house, home-made chicken soup, and a cozy place to sleep!

*As a healing practitioner, I want to do my part! Therefore, I am welcoming people, who are STRESSED, OVERWHELMED and FREAKED OUT By SANDY, to call me for Free 20 minute Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) healing sessions either on the phone or skype.

**An even better option is available at my office at 805 West Boston Post Road are my Hurricane Sandy Specials!

***I am offering 60 minutes of Hands-On Energy Healing: Calming After The Storm Sessions for $75 or 30 minute sessions for $45. 

***I can be reached at amyreissner@vitalessencehealing.com or 914-282-7460 to schedule a consult or a session!

These will be offered until the end of the year!

I look forward to hearing and or seeing many of you for Healing, Relaxation, and Restoring the Mind, Body & Soul after the storm of 2012!

Sending everyone Peace, Health, Healing, & Love,

Amy Reissner

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