To the Editor:
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we are all thankful for something and certain people in our lives. This year, in addition to that, and I am very blessed, I must give thanks to the City of Bayonne for doing an amazing job during the super storm Sandy, a storm that no one had ever experienced before.
Like everyone else, I have a story: no power for nine days, freezing cold and hungry, unable to join family in Hoboken, and sick and afraid. But I consider myself lucky. I learned of the shelter held at Nicholas Oresko School. They provided a warm, clean, safe environment. My stay there was during the last days before power was restored.
I am grateful that the city provided this oasis. My thanks go to Mayor Smith who made it all happen. Thank you! To Dr. McGeehan, who is beyond warm and caring – thank you! To the police, who were so cool, doing their job, keeping order with compassion – thank you! To the police academy, the young professionals who were amazing in everything – thank you! To the Broadway Diner for the great commitment to feeding us – thank you!
To the cleaning staff who kept the shelter sanitary constantly – thank you! Also to the amazing woman from the Red Cross, Darlene, who was so concerned about my and everyone else’s comfort levels. She got me settled, absorbed my story, and listened to so many. Her words of comfort were genuine. Thank you!
To all of the others responsible for donations, thank you! We were all in this together and they, these people, should be applauded for their above-and-beyond commitment. And a very special thank you to “The Breakfast Club,” who befriended me when I needed it most, helping me through this, and then some.
I’m grateful as I give thanks this year, and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
PATTI LYNAM