In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many who live by the shore have lost everything. Freshman Samantha Barnwell, who lives in Oceanport, knows that despite having lost her home due to the storm, that it is important to be thankful for what we have, appreciate one another and to share the joys of past fond memories. Barnwell has lived in Monmouth County for all of her life and is very thankful to be from the area. “Growing up in Monmouth County meant so much to me. My dad grew up here with his family so it is very special to me. I remember building snowmen in my front yard in the winters, hunting for Easter eggs in my backyard, amazing fun filled summers in Lavallette, and playing in the leaves that my dad raked in the fall. I have spent 18 years in Monmouth County and I am proud to be from here,” said Barnwell.
Just a couple of weeks ago, mother nature changed everything when the raft of the hurricane’s power destroyed the Barnwell family home and everything in it. The meaning of “it can’t happen to me” quickly changed to a tragic reality. The entire family came together during this time to help and support one another during and after this major disaster, something that she will be forever thankful for.
Of equal importance is that the holiday season is about not only giving to family and friends, but also to those in need. This year, many are right here in the Monmouth County area looking to rebuild and begin again. Something as simple as making a monetary donation for a family’s Thanksgiving meal goes a long way to help those in need this season.
Barnwell has learned the lesson of appreciation well. “First I learned that material objects don’t matter. I am so thankful that my family was not harmed in this storm. Maybe our home is gone, but we still have each other,” said Barnwell.
“I also learned who is there for me when I’ve hit rock bottom. My aunt immediately took in my family and my grandparents ,whose home was also ruined,” said Barnwell.
Her family from all over the country called them, and even his new friends from school offered their homes to his family. Barnwell was very thankful for the people in his life. He said the whole experience was humbling. “When you donate, you always wonder where the donations go to and how it makes those people feel,” Barnwell said. “Two people showed up to my front door today as we were trying to salvage what was left of our belongings in my home and they came with donations from the YMCA.”
The whole experience made her cry in appreciation for the people who cared and wanted to help. “It is such a humbling experience to be on the other side, receiving these donations,” Barnwell said.
“Now that Thanksgiving and the holidays are coming I am thankful that I have my family and friends,” said Barnwell. “We may not have our home to celebrate Thanksgiving or to open Christmas presents in, but we have each other. We lost my great grandmother a week before we lost our home, and after all this I can just be grateful for what I have today.”
IMAGE TAKEN from flikr.com
