Recovery.  Each day is yet another step to recovery for our towns.  As I enjoy the natural beauty that is so evident in my New Jersey towns, I see recovery and I recognize that each of us in our Summit, Chatham, or Millburn/Short Hills homes have had to declare a “new normal.”  This is the time where we need to recognize our hope and strength as a community, as families, and as individuals and move forward with gratitude at what we still have.

Because we still have a lot.

As I snuggled with my pup in my Chatham NJ home, I am grateful for electricity (it was finally turned back on over the weekend), fantastic friends (who took me in and warmed me up), the kindness of strangers (spotlighted in my storm posts), and the fact that my Chatham home is standing.  Driving through our boroughs I have seen devastation and community service at it’s side.  I’ve seen friends lifting one another in diners and city officials lending a hand to help someone in need as they try to uncover what is left of their Millburn/Short Hills homes.

However, those good deeds aren’t what I am referring to when I say the “new normal.”  Those acts of service have always been seen in our MIDtown Direct towns and will continue to be seen, no matter the hurricane, tropical storm, or flood.  Our New Jersey towns and the people who live in Millburn/Short Hills, Summit, and Chatham have always been willing to meet stormy weather with fortitude and grace.  We are strong and we love our MIDtown Direct towns.

Our “new normal” is more of an adjustment phase as we recognize the short-term changes and adjustments needed to succeed on a daily basis post-storm.  Adjustments like taking a different train into the city or finding a new route home. How about filling up your car with gas and owning a generator now seem to come with the territory. I, like you, am finding ways to accept to these changes and adapt to my “new normal.”  If you have any pointers on how to make it easier, please comment on this post.  Thank you!